Keygeek Briny vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Silent Grey. The Briny, a linear switch renowned for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile that many users appreciate for its smoothness and consistency. This switch is ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a fluid typing experience without the tactile bumps, allowing for rapid keypresses and minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a highly tactile and quiet typing experience, with a pronounced bump and a smooth keystroke, making it perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying feel while typing without disturbing others. While both switches cater to different preferences—one favoring a seamless linear action and the other providing noticeable feedback with minimal noise—each has its unique advantages depending on your typing style or gaming needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Silent Grey switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly impacts their acoustics and styling. The Briny employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer texture that absorbs sound. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is often described as warm and rounder. In contrast, the Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing known for its stiffer quality, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and clearer sound profile. The translucency of the polycarbonate also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it more visually appealing for users who prioritize aesthetics in their keyboard setup.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material—nylon—for their bottom housing. This commonality means that users can expect a consistent sound and tactile response from both models when the switch bottoms out. Since nylon is softer and more sound-absorbing, it will contribute to that deeper, more resonant sound experience in both the Briny and the Silent Grey. When triggered, this bottom housing will produce a duller sound that feels plush and satisfying during use, allowing both switches to create a familiar result in this regard.
Overall, the differences in the top housing materials create contrasting auditory profiles for the two switches when typing, as the top housing’s qualities dictate the sound upon releasing a key. However, the shared nylon bottom housing of both the Briny and the Silent Grey ensures that the deeper acoustic characteristics persist upon bottoming out. Therefore, while the tactile experiences might diverge due to the top housing differences, users can find comfort in the consistent bottom-out feel and sound, bridging the gap between these two unique switch designs.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch share the same actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that both switches require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke, providing a similar typing experience in that sense. However, they differ when it comes to their bottom out forces; the Briny has a bottom out force of 60 grams while the Silent Grey features a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This difference in bottom out force suggests that the Silent Grey may offer a more substantial resistance felt when the key is fully pressed down, making it better suited for users who prefer that added weight for a more pronounced typing experience. Consequently, the Briny is the lighter option overall, which might appeal to those who type for longer periods, whereas the Silent Grey, being heavier, may cater to users seeking a firmer tactile feedback during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Grey features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer option. This slight difference can influence the typing experience; the Briny, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers who prioritize quicker response times, whereas the Silent Grey could be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
The Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is recognized for its balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This combination allows for a relatively neutral auditory experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a less intrusive click while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed for a quieter environment, offering a pronounced tactile bump without the harsher noises typically associated with tactile switches. While both switches differ in sound characteristics, each provides a typing experience that doesn't disturb those nearby, allowing users to focus on their work or gaming without distraction.
When discussing feel, the Briny switch delivers a smooth typing experience with linear characteristics, meaning there is no tactile bump to navigate through, allowing for effortless key presses and a consistent actuation force throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch features a noticeable tactile bump, offering a satisfying feedback loop during typing. This bump can enhance typing precision, making it a favored choice among users who enjoy a bit of tactile engagement with each key stroke. Despite their differing tactile responses, both switches cater to distinct preferences, effectively providing comfortable typing experiences.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch each present unique auditory and tactile qualities. The Briny's balanced sound and smooth linear feel lend themselves to a tranquil typing experience, making it perfect for users who prefer a seamless flow without interruption. In contrast, the Silent Grey's quiet, tactile feedback provides satisfying engagement while minimizing noise. Ultimately, regardless of your choice, both switches will deliver a great typing experience tailored to different preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile interruptions, the Briny, with its medium 60-gram bottom-out force, offers a balanced sound profile and a fluid typing experience. It’s ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, making it a great option for gamers and typists who favor a quieter typing style while still enjoying a satisfying linear feel. On the other hand, if you are someone who values tactile feedback and a more pronounced bump with each keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey is the better choice. With a medium-heavy 65-gram bottom-out force, this switch provides a highly tactile experience while maintaining a quiet operation, making it perfect for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be minimized. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches hinges on whether you prefer the smoothness of linear keys or the satisfying feedback of tactile switches, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to suit your lifestyle.
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