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Keygeek Briny vs. Outemu Silent Ocean

An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Silent Ocean present distinct options for users seeking a linear experience. The Briny, renowned for its UPE stem coupled with a pure PA66 bottom housing, offers a balanced sound profile that appeals to typists and gamers alike, providing a satisfying keystroke without excessive noise. On the other hand, while the Silent Ocean may lack specific accolades, it is designed with a focus on quiet operation, perfect for users who prioritize a muted typing experience in shared or quiet environments. Both switches bring their unique benefits to the table, making the choice largely dependent on personal preference for sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

42g

Actuation force

45g

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

Partial box

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

When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Silent Ocean, a distinct contrast emerges between the top housings of each switch. The Briny utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to nylon's softer texture that absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. As a result, users can expect a duller and rounder typing experience, creating a warm auditory environment conducive to quieter typing. Conversely, the Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate creates a more resonant sound, leading to a typing experience that is both bright and precise. This fundamental difference in material composition serves as a key differentiator between the two switches, ultimately affecting the overall acoustic output during use.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Briny and Silent Ocean feature nylon. This consistency in bottom housing material means that both switches will offer similar deep and full sound profiles due to the nylon's inherent properties. The softness of nylon allows for better sound absorption, which translates to a muted bottom-out sound experience, irrespective of the top housing's material. Therefore, while the top housing defines the character of the sound produced when a key is released, the bottom housing plays a vital role in shaping the response during the act of pressing a key down. Regardless of their differences in top housing materials, users of both switches can expect to enjoy a similar feel when bottoming out, thanks to the shared characteristics of nylon in the bottom housing.

Ultimately, the differing materials in the top housings of the Briny and the Silent Ocean highlight how these variations lead to distinct sound profiles, whereas their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent tactile experience. When pressed, both switches will provide that signature deep and full sound due to the nylon, but the contrast in top materials distinctly polarizes the auditory experience at the moment of key release. For those who prioritize RGB lighting, the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate housing allows for improved illumination, showcasing the interface of light and sound. Meanwhile, the Briny’s nylon top provides a decidedly warmer acoustic profile, making it clear that while both switches share similarities in their bottom housings, their top housings offer unique benefits that cater to differing user preferences and typing needs.

Weight

The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Briny requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams, making the Briny more suitable for users who prefer a firmer feel when typing. In terms of bottom out force, the Briny has a force of 60 grams, while the Silent Ocean's bottom out force is slightly heavier at 65 grams. This means that the Silent Ocean, while lighter in actuation force, still requires more effort to bottom out compared to the Briny. Overall, users seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Briny, while those who want a gentler actuation feel with slightly more resistance when bottoming out may favor the Silent Ocean.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, the Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ocean has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Briny switch is the shorter of the two, making it more appealing for gamers who appreciate quicker response times and a more responsive feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean's 4 mm travel distance offers a deeper, more substantial press that could be preferred by users who enjoy a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference: those seeking a snappier response may opt for the Briny, while those who favor a more pronounced feedback may lean towards the Silent Ocean.

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 Ocean 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

When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is noted for its balanced sound profile, producing a satisfying tone that manages to blend subtle noise with a certain richness. This sound quality is influenced by the materials used, such as the UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing, which contribute to a harmonious auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a defined reputation for its sound characteristics. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by a switch can vary widely depending on the keyboard's construction, the mounting style, and the type of keycaps you choose to use, which means that even switches lacking a distinctive sound profile can still achieve a unique auditory presence in your setup.

In terms of feel, the Briny switch is recognized for providing a smooth and responsive experience, making it a desirable choice for typists and gamers alike. The linear nature of the switch allows for uninterrupted travel from top to bottom, which enhances the fluidity in key presses. On the other hand, information regarding the feel of the Silent Ocean switch remains unspecified, making it challenging to directly compare the tactile experience it offers. Ultimately, the feel of a switch can be influenced by personal preferences and how the switch interacts with the keyboard plate, so one might experience varying sensations even with the same linear design.

In summary, the Keygeek Briny linear switch stands out with its balanced sound profile and smooth feel, offering a well-rounded experience. The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch remains an enigma in terms of sound and feel, which makes it difficult to draw a direct comparison. Nevertheless, both switches, being linear types, promise a similar uninterrupted travel experience while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on the nuanced qualities you seek in sound and tactile feedback, as well as other factors such as the keyboard build and personal ergonomic preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, your preferences in typing feel, sound, and actuation force will guide your decision. If you value a balanced sound profile and a smoother typing experience, the Briny switch, with its medium actuation force of 60 grams, is an excellent choice. It enhances the typing experience with the UPE stem construction and pure PA66 housing, making for a pleasingly balanced and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer keystroke and are not concerned about sound profile specifics, the Silent Ocean, with its medium-heavy force of 65 grams, may be better suited for you. This switch may offer a more substantial feel, although it lacks noteworthy sound characteristics. Ultimately, your individual typing style and the environment in which you use your keyboard will heavily influence which switch is right for you. The Briny is ideal for those who appreciate a light and balanced typing feel, while the Silent Ocean is perfect for those who prefer more resistance with their keystrokes.

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