Keygeek Briny vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and KTT Pine represent two attractive options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience, each with its unique characteristics and appeals. The Briny features a UPE stem combined with a pure PA66 bottom housing, delivering a well-balanced sound profile that can enhance your overall typing ambiance. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches boast a translucent, forest green design that exudes a medium-heavy feel, renowned for their buttery smoothness and effortless key travel. Enhanced by a polished, factory-lubed finish, the Pine switches significantly reduce friction, making them a joy for prolonged typing sessions. While the Briny offers a balanced auditory experience, the KTT Pine caters to those seeking a more bassy and creamy sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Pine, a striking contrast emerges. The Briny features a nylon top housing, while the Pine employs polycarbonate in its top housing. Nylon's inherent properties lead to a deeper, fuller sound profile, primarily due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, appealing to users who favor a more muted typing sound. In contrast, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing engenders a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigid characteristics of polycarbonate enhance clarity and resonance, aligning more with users who enjoy a bright, articulate typing sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, offering visual appeal alongside its auditory attributes.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, creating another layer of comparison. As with the top housing, the nylon bottom of the Briny contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, reinforcing the overall auditory experience the switch is designed to deliver. In the case of the Pine, although it sports a polycarbonate top, its nylon bottom shifts the sound dynamics towards the dampened profile typical of nylon materials. This interplay of materials means that while the KTT Pine provides a sharper top-end sound, the bottom housing still plays a crucial role in modifying the overall audio experience towards a more balanced profile, albeit slightly less pronounced than the Briny.
Ultimately, while the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Pine utilize different materials for their top housings, they converge at the bottom housing, both relying on nylon to deliver a similar acoustic experience influenced by their respective designs. This shared nylon base means that, regardless of the distinct sound profiles offered by their top housings, both switches will retain a fundamental depth and fullness in sound when bottoming out. Thus, users can expect a blend of qualities derived from both the nylon and polycarbonate materials, resulting in unique yet comparable tactile and auditory experiences across the two switch designs.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny requires an actuation force of 50 grams and bottoms out at 60 grams, while the Pine has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Pine switch is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience during long sessions. In contrast, the Briny, being the heavier option, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel. Despite both switches falling into the medium range for their actuation and bottom out forces, the specific values indicate that users will experience a marginally different typing feel, with the Briny requiring a bit more force to activate and bottom out compared to the Pine.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Briny offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which could appeal to users looking for a more responsive feel and quicker actuation—characteristics that are often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the KTT Pine, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a deeper experience that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Therefore, for those seeking a rapid response during gaming sessions, the Briny is the better choice, while the Pine may suit individuals who appreciate a more pronounced tactile journey when pressing their keys.
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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 produces a balanced profile thanks to its construction with an UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. While specific sound characteristics of the Briny remain undisclosed, its balanced nature suggests it may strike a comfortable middle ground that avoids harshness. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound. This switch offers a deeper and richer auditory experience, delivering a softer, mellow tone with each keypress. Overall, the sound experience between the two switches may differ significantly, with the Briny likely providing a more neutral performance, while the Pine caters to those who enjoy a bass-heavy auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Briny switch lacks specific descriptors, leaving its tactile experience somewhat ambiguous. However, given the design emphasis on balance, it can be inferred that the Briny offers a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch shines with its buttery and creamy feel, thanks to its polished, factory-lubed finish. This design minimizes friction and ensures a smooth key travel experience, making each keystroke feel seamless and effortless. The Pine is particularly well-suited for users who appreciate a silky typing sensation, as it allows fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. The Briny's feel may not be as defined, but it likely provides a satisfactory experience for those who favor a more traditional linear switch type.
In summary, the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound profile but lacks specific details regarding its feel, which could present an opportunity for more varied user opinions. Meanwhile, the KTT Pine linear switch stands out with its bassy sound and notably smooth tactile experience, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking an effortless typing journey. Although the two switches may serve different preferences, if you prefer a balanced sound and a traditional feel, the Briny can still provide satisfying results for many users, while the Pine is explicitly tailored for those who value smoothness and depth in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Pine linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a balanced sound profile, the Briny switch may be the better option for you, especially if you prefer a medium bottom-out force that provides tactile feedback without being too heavy. The use of a UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing means you can expect a consistent performance and good sound dynamics, making it suitable for both casual typing and longer work sessions. On the other hand, if you are seeking a smoother, more effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine switch is the way to go. With its polished, factory-lubed finish, it ensures minimal friction, allowing for a buttery and creamy sensation that many find appealing for gaming or fast typists. Additionally, the bassy, low-pitched sound characteristics of the Pine provide a richer auditory experience, which can enhance the overall enjoyment of your keyboard. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize a balanced yet slightly textured feel of the Briny or the ultra-smooth and rich qualities of the Pine.
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