Keygeek Briny vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Briny, a linear switch, features a UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, creating a balanced sound profile that many typists appreciate for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes. This makes the Briny an excellent choice for gamers or professionals who prioritize speed and consistency in their typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that boasts a pronounced tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience and a snappy sound profile that can enhance feedback during typing. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy the tactile sensation and audible response, making it particularly appealing for writers or individuals who prefer a more engaging typing experience. Both switches have their unique advantages, and your choice largely depends on whether you prioritize a smooth, linear actuation or a satisfying tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Keygeek Briny and the SP-Star Polaris Purple represent two distinct approaches to sound and tactile feedback in keyboard switches. The Briny features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the nylon absorbs more sound waves, thus creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. The consistent use of nylon contributes to a cohesive sound signature throughout the switch, making it ideal for users who favor a more subdued and rich audio feedback while typing.
In contrast, the Polaris Purple employs polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, which introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffer material enhances clarity and resonance, resulting in a brighter auditory response that can be quite appealing for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. The use of polycarbonate also allows for translucency, making it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, as it provides a visually striking effect by showcasing the illumination of the LEDs. The differences in sound profiles between the Briny and Polaris Purple can create distinct typing experiences, catering to diverse user preferences.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on performance, it is vital to note that the interaction between the top and bottom housings plays a significant role in the overall tactile feedback and sound emitted during typing. While both switches utilize different materials—nylon in the Briny and polycarbonate in the Polaris Purple—the resultant sound and tactile experiences are indicative of their respective compositions. A user could achieve similar results by strategically combining parts from both switches, selecting nylon for a deeper sound and polycarbonate for a sharper audio response, allowing for a customizable and tailored typing experience to accommodate individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we see distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Briny features a relatively lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Polaris Purple has an unspecified actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is significantly heavier than the Briny's bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the Briny offers a more responsive feel with ease of actuation, the Polaris Purple provides a firmer push, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, users seeking a lighter switch for comfort during long periods should opt for the Briny, while those who appreciate a heavier feel might prefer the Polaris Purple due to its medium-heavy bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distances indicates that the Briny will provide a more responsive feel, making it a great choice for gamers who favor quick actuation and faster response times. In contrast, the Polaris Purple, with its 4 mm travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer deeper keystrokes, providing a satisfying tactile feedback that many typists appreciate. Ultimately, if you are looking for a shorter and more responsive keypress, the Briny would be the preferred option. Conversely, if you value a more pronounced depth in your typing experience, the Polaris Purple will be your go-to switch.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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
The Keygeek Briny linear switch has a balanced sound profile, which makes it suitable for a wide range of environments, whether you're working at home or in an office setting. The sound produced by the Briny, thanks to its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing, is expected to be fairly neutral, providing a pleasant auditory experience without being overly loud or aggressive. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch features a snappier sound profile. This is likely attributed to its pronounced tactile bump, which adds a notable auditory feedback element when typing. Both switches can be affected by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning that while the Briny may provide a more subdued acoustic experience, the Polaris Purple will give a livelier sound, making your typing experience more exciting.
When it comes to feel, the Briny linear switch is designed for smooth key travel, creating an effortless typing experience. Linear switches are known for their lack of tactile feedback, resulting in a consistent and uninterrupted feel as you press the keys down. The Polaris Purple tactile switch, however, is characterized by its large tactile bump, which significantly enhances the typing experience with additional feedback at the actuation point. Described as mild and polished, the Polaris Purple provides a responsive typing experience that remains approachable for all users. The combination of the tactile bump and polished finish allows for a refined feel that balances stimulation and smoothness, offering a distinctive tactile sensation compared to the linear nature of the Briny.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch cater to different typing preferences. While the Briny offers a balanced, neutral sound profile and a smooth key feel, the Polaris Purple excels with its snappy sound and pronounced tactile feedback. If you prefer a linear switch that provides a more subdued experience, the Briny is ideal, whereas the Polaris Purple is perfect for those who enjoy a tactile bump and a lively auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal typing preferences, and both offer unique characteristics that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience in their respective ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you’re seeking a smoother, quieter experience with a balanced sound profile, then the Briny is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue, particularly if you prefer a linear switch that allows for uninterrupted key presses. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback with a noticeable bump and a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple will likely be more to your liking. The heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams makes it suitable for users who appreciate a firmer typing experience, providing clear tactile cues with each keystroke. Ultimately, if you’re in the market for a polished and mild switch that delivers versatility for both home and work environments, the Polaris Purple shines in that regard. Conversely, for those favoring a more subdued, linear feel with a balanced sound suitable for quieter settings, the Briny stands out as a fantastic option. Choosing between these two will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and silence or tactile feedback and feedback-rich experience.
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