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Keygeek Briny vs. Outemu Spring Breeze

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

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and the typing experience sought. The Keygeek Briny, classified as a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who favor uninterrupted key presses without tactile feedback, allowing for rapid, fluid input. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, showcases a unique material combination of nylon housing and a POM stem. This design not only delivers a satisfying click sound but also produces a deeper tone than typical clicky switches, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Each switch offers distinct benefits—whether it's the stealth and smoothness of the Briny or the engaging clickiness of the Spring Breeze. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

42g

Actuation force

40g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.50 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

Nylon

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 Spring Breeze, it is notable that both switches feature nylon for their top and bottom housings. This use of nylon is significant in that it contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption that results in a more muted and rounded auditory experience compared to harder plastics. Thus, both switches deliver a similar sound signature, emphasizing a satisfying typing experience characterized by a dampened keystroke noise that many users find appealing.

Despite both switches employing nylon for their housings, the realization of their qualities may differ slightly due to the design intent. If both switches are configured with nylon for both the upper and lower housings, the overall acoustic outcome remains consistent. However, if variations in other components exist, such as springs or the construction of the housing itself, it could lead to nuances in tactile feedback or actuation force that differentiate the typing experience. Essentially, while the material quality is the same, any distinction in design could showcase different attributes in user experience, particularly in the feel of the bottom-out action or release sound.

Ultimately, the similarities in housing materials point towards a harmonized performance when typing on either switch. The shared nylon composition ensures that both the Keygeek Briny and the Outemu Spring Breeze provide users with a smooth, quieter experience conducive to long typing sessions. Because both features use identical materials, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel, promoting the same kind of rounded sound that is characteristic of nylon switches. Whether a user opts for the Briny or the Spring Breeze, the typing experience is likely to present both familiarity and satisfaction rooted in their common material choice.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Spring Breeze is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a softer touch may find the Spring Breeze more comfortable for extended use, as it requires less force to actuate. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Briny due to its heavier feel, making it better suited for those who appreciate a firmer push. Overall, the Spring Breeze is the lighter option, while the Briny is heavier, providing clear distinctions for users to consider based on their preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we see a clear distinction. The Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Spring Breeze offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Thus, the Briny is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers or users who prioritize quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, might be more suitable for those who enjoy a deeper and more robust typing experience. This contrast highlights the different preferences users may have—whether they lean towards the snappier activation of shorter switches or the satisfying depth of longer ones.

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 Spring Breeze 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 known for its balanced sound profile, which offers a smooth and muted acoustic experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. This makes it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch produces a deeper sound due to its unique nylon housing and POM stem combination. This results in a more pronounced and resonant click, making it ideal for users who enjoy auditory feedback while they type. However, it's important to note that the overall sound signature of both switches can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials used.

When it comes to feel, the Briny linear switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke since it lacks tactile bumps or clicks. This enables a fluid typing experience that allows for fast and uninterrupted key presses, which can be especially advantageous in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is characterized by its tactile feedback, offering a distinct click sound at the actuation point. This tactile sensation can enhance the typing experience, as the user is alerted with both sound and feel when a key has been engaged, providing a sense of satisfaction and responsiveness.

In conclusion, the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch present distinctly different auditory and tactile experiences. The Briny is well-suited for users seeking a quieter and smoother operation, while the Spring Breeze appeals to those who enjoy the audible and tactile feedback of a clicky switch. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but both switches offer their own unique benefits that cater to different typing styles and environments.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you prefer a quieter, smoother typing experience with a balanced sound profile, the Briny is an excellent choice. This switch's 60-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your control during long typing sessions, making it particularly well-suited for both gamers and typists who favor an uninterrupted flow. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more tactile and audible feedback, the Spring Breeze's 55-gram bottom-out force could be more appealing, especially if you enjoy the characteristic clicky sound that accompanies each keystroke. The unique nylon housing and POM stem combination not only create a deeper sound but also contribute to a lively typing experience that can add excitement to casual use or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as how you plan to use your keyboard most often.

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