Keygeek Briny vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to consider the unique characteristics and benefits that each option offers. The Keygeek Briny, featuring a UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is well-regarded for its balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a harmonious auditory experience while typing. This switch is categorized as providing a versatile tactile feedback, which can cater to a wide range of typing preferences. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switches boast an all-POM construction that delivers a luxuriously smooth typing experience paired with a neutral sound signature. With their lightweight 45g bottom-out, they are particularly appealing to lighter typists seeking effortless keystrokes and prolonged comfort during extended typing sessions. While both switches offer distinct advantages, helping users tailor their typing experience, the choice ultimately hinges on individual preferences and typing style. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and KTT Purple Star switches feature distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Briny uses nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material renowned for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a sound profile that is rounded and less harsh. This characteristic makes the Briny a great choice for users looking for a muted and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Star utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings. POM, known for its durability and low-friction properties, also produces a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards being deeper yet more muted than nylon. While both materials aim for a quieter experience, the nuances in sound produced by nylon in the Briny and POM in the Purple Star create distinct auditory sensations.
Both switches reveal the influence that their housing materials have on performance, with crucial differences in tactile experience arising from these materials. With the Briny, the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall typing feel, particularly as it impacts how one experiences bottom-out sound and feel. While the nylon materials focus on delivering depth and fullness, they elicit a plush feel on actuation. Conversely, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing enhances the muted sound that accompanies each keypress but does so with a unique tactile feedback that can feel more refined than that delivered by the softer nylon. Therefore, the tactile feedback differs based on the material choice, while both switches maintain a focus on delivering a muted auditory output.
Ultimately, despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Keygeek Briny and KTT Purple Star aim to provide a pleasing typing experience through their distinct acoustic properties. Users of either switch will notice the varied effects of top and bottom housing on sound while typing. The Briny’s nylon provides a rounded character, while the Purple Star’s POM gives off a pleasingly unique character. As a result, while both switches can achieve similar muted sound profiles, the tactile and auditory experiences differ, painting a rich picture for keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate nuance in their builds. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can cater to users seeking a deep and rounded typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium option that offers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Star has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which aligns with preferences for a softer feel during extended typing sessions or gaming. This means that the Briny is heavier than the Purple Star, catering to users who favor a firmer push, while the Purple Star is ideal for those who seek ease and comfort for longer durations. Overall, selecting between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and comfort during use.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference, although minimal, means that the Briny will provide a slightly deeper actuation compared to the Purple Star. For those who favor responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Purple Star may be more appealing as it allows for faster key presses, ideal for gaming scenarios. Conversely, enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced bottoming out might prefer the Briny’s longer travel distance, as it offers a bit more depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, while the travel distances are quite close, the Briny's 3.6 mm offers a more substantial feel compared to the 3.5 mm of the Purple Star, thus catering to different user preferences regarding key press experience.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 well-regarded for its balanced sound profile, making it a versatile choice for various environments, from office settings to gaming spaces. Meanwhile, the KTT Purple Star switch features a low-pitched sound, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone that many users find soothing. This combination allows for a pleasant auditory experience, especially for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. However, it's important to note that the overall sound will still be influenced by factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap materials used.
In terms of tactile feedback, the Briny offers a smooth and unassuming typing experience, allowing for consistent keystrokes without any distractions. On the other hand, the Purple Star is described as mild, offering gentle resistance which caters especially well to those who appreciate a softer touch. Typing on the Purple Star is effortless, thanks to its very light 45g bottom-out force, making it an excellent choice for light typists. This ease in activation can significantly reduce finger fatigue, enhancing comfort during prolonged typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny and KTT Purple Star linear switches deliver smooth and satisfying typing experiences, though they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. The Briny offers a balanced sound profile, while the Purple Star provides a softer, low-pitched audio signature and an extremely light actuation force. Regardless of your choice between the two, both switches promise a comfortable typing experience, making them suitable options for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and use case. If you prefer a medium resistance that offers more feedback and a balanced sound profile, the Briny is likely a better fit for you. Its 60-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying tactile experience, making it suitable for typists who enjoy a bit more force behind each keypress without feeling overly strenuous. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and seek a smoother typing experience, the KTT Purple Star is an excellent option. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, these switches excel in comfort and ease of use, perfect for those long typing sessions where reducing finger fatigue is a priority. The low-pitched sound signature paired with a gently responsive feel creates an inviting atmosphere for work or leisure typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you want the keyboard to behave, be it more robust and expressive with the Briny or effortlessly smooth with the Purple Star.
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