Keygeek Briny vs. Outemu Silver

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, both the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Silver offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Briny is distinguished by its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which contribute to a well-balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a tactile yet quiet typing experience. Its design is tailored to those who seek a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance, perfect for gaming or long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver lacks specific distinguishing features but is often favored for its quick actuation and affordability, appealing to gamers who thrive on speed and responsiveness in their gameplay. Both switches serve their purpose well, but your selection would depend on whether you prioritize sound and feel or speed and budget. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Briny Linear

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and Outemu Silver switches showcase distinct characteristics that make them unique yet complementary in the context of mechanical keyboards. The Briny features a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer properties which produce a deeper, fuller sound profile during typing. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's ability to absorb sound, leading to a more muted acoustic experience that many users find satisfying. The Briny's nylon housing not only enhances the tactile experience but also contributes to a sound signature that many keyboard enthusiasts appreciate for its warmth and richness.

In contrasting fashion, the Outemu Silver employs a polycarbonate top housing that yields a distinctly sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Due to polycarbonate's rigidity and transparency, it allows for clearer sound resonance, providing an acoustic experience that is crisper compared to the Briny. This material’s translucence also makes it well-suited for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual experience without compromising performance. The polycarbonate construction can lead to a more pronounced sound on release, which is essential for users who prioritize a snappy auditory feedback during typing sessions.

However, both the Briny and Silver share a similarity in their bottom housing construction, with both utilizing nylon materials. As a result, while the top housing of each switch imparts unique sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a more substantial and rounded sound profile when bottoming out. This design choice means that although there is a contrast between the two switches in terms of their top housing sound profiles, users will experience a consistent depth and richness in sound during the actuation phase regardless of which switch is chosen. Thus, both switches offer their own distinct acoustic signatures, yet they converge in their performance through the shared qualities of their nylon bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch to the Outemu Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varied user preferences. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, while the Silver offers a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams. As a result, the Briny is overall the heavier switch due to its higher actuation force, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the lighter actuation force of the Silver may be appealing for those who prioritize longer typing sessions and seek less strain on their fingers, despite its heavier bottom-out force. Overall, the significant variation in actuation forces indicates that users looking for a lighter switch might lean towards the Outemu Silver, while those seeking a more tactile push could prefer the Keygeek Briny.

Travel distance

The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Briny measuring 3.6 mm and the Silver measuring 4 mm. This places the Briny as the shorter of the two switches, offering a more responsive feel that can be appealing for gamers who prioritize rapid key presses and swift response times. On the other hand, the Silver's longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more pronounced depth during keystrokes, making it potentially more satisfying for users who enjoy a traditional typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches hinges on personal preference: those who favor a quicker response may lean towards the Briny, while those who appreciate a heartier depth might opt for the Silver.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch features a balanced sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This design helps to minimize any high-pitched clicks or hollowness often associated with lower-quality switches, producing a smooth and pleasant auditory experience when typing. The Outemu Silver linear switch, on the other hand, lacks a distinct sound signature that stands out, which means its sound characteristics may be less defined and potentially more muted compared to the Briny. It's essential to keep in mind that the overall sound produced by either switch can also heavily depend on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Briny is often praised for its smooth actuation and consistent resistance throughout the keystroke. This translates to a satisfying typing experience, where each press feels uniform and responsive. In contrast, the Outemu Silver linear switch's tactile feedback is less widely documented, making it difficult to determine its precision and comfort in use. This lack of clarity could suggest that the Silver may not provide the same dependable experience as the Briny, but it's also worth noting that feel is highly subjective and can also vary depending on an individual's preferences and usage habits.

Considering all this information, the Keygeek Briny linear switch stands out with its balanced sound profile and a reliable feel that many users appreciate. In comparison, the Outemu Silver linear switch appears to offer a more ambiguous experience, particularly regarding sound and feel. If you opt for the Briny, you can expect a well-rounded performance that caters to smooth typing and an enjoyable auditory experience, whereas the Silver may yield a more indistinct experience across those qualities. For newcomers, the Briny would be a recommended choice if you seek clarity in sound and an agreeable touch, while those willing to experiment may find potential in the Silver as well.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a balanced sound profile and a more moderate bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny is likely a better fit for you. Its UPE stem and PA66 housing contribute to a satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for those who value smoothness and sound quality in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier keystroke with a bottom-out force of 65 grams and are looking for a switch that offers a firmer feel, the Outemu Silver could be the right choice. While it may not have the same sound profile advantages as the Briny, the Silver’s medium-heavy force can provide a sense of stability and assurance while typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you prioritize sound, feel, and the required actuation force in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more