Keygeek Briny vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the SP-Star RedBlue each offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Keygeek Briny switch, featuring a durable UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, creating a more harmonious typing experience that appeals to those who prioritize acoustic consistency. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switch is designed for users seeking a medium-light typing feel, characterized by its relatively low-pitched sound profile that is often deemed neutral and polished, providing a subtle feedback that some users find particularly satisfying. While the Briny excels in producing a refined sound with durability, the RedBlue offers a typing experience that is light and smooth, making it an appealing option for extensive typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the SP-Star RedBlue, notable distinctions emerge that influence both aesthetic appeal and acoustic qualities. The Briny utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic not only absorbs sound effectively but also creates a dull and rounded auditory experience that many typists may find satisfying. Conversely, the RedBlue employs polycarbonate for its housings, which is a significantly stiffer plastic. This choice produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile, making the act of typing feel distinctly different. The transparent nature of polycarbonate also enhances the visual appeal of the switches, particularly under RGB lighting, as it allows light to travel through clearly.
Both switches exhibit unique acoustic signatures driven by their housing materials. In the Briny, the nylon’s inherent softness absorbs sound waves, resulting in a muted acoustic experience that can feel more muted upon actuation. In contrast, the RedBlue's polycarbonate, with its higher pitch and clarity, generates a more pronounced sound when keys are released. The differences extend beyond sound; the tactile feedback associated with each switch diverges due to the varying impact of their construction materials on the feel during typing. When typing on the Briny, users are likely to appreciate a softer bottom-out feel, whereas, with the RedBlue, users may enjoy a crisper response due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate.
Interestingly, even with different materials, these switches can create a similar typing experience if harnessed correctly. If one were to combine switches from both types into a single keyboard, the overall sound profile would be a blend, with the nylon providing warmth and comfort and the polycarbonate lending clarity and resonance. By strategically pairing these switches, a typist could achieve a balanced auditory experience that capitalizes on the strengths of both materials. Additionally, using both nylon and polycarbonate in hybrid switch setups could produce nuanced feedback and sound that leverages the unique properties of each, allowing for a tailored response that reflects personal preference in a keyboard's auditory and tactile characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that may influence user preference. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the RedBlue's actuation force is unknown. However, concerning bottom out forces, the Briny reaches 60 grams, while the RedBlue has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 57 grams. This means that the Briny is generally the heavier option, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out, which may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer. In contrast, the RedBlue, being medium-light, allows for a potentially lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for users who favor extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, those looking for a lighter switch may gravitate towards the RedBlue, while those who appreciate a firmer push may find the Briny more appealing.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Briny the shorter option, providing a more immediate and responsive feel, which is often favored by gamers who benefit from quicker actuation in fast-paced situations. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth that some users may find more satisfying, as it allows for a more substantial keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: those looking for rapid response times may prefer the Keygeek Briny, while individuals who appreciate a deeper, more tactile engagement might opt for the SP-Star RedBlue.
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 RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 delivers a balanced sound profile, characterized by a nuanced auditory experience that can cater to different preferences in typing environments. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is recognized for its low-pitched, thocky sound, producing a rich and satisfying "thud" when pressed. The RedBlue's sound profile is versatile and neutral, making it suitable for use in various settings, whether at home or work. Both switches have the potential for a pleasant acoustic experience, though the Briny may offer a slightly different tonal depth compared to the more pronounced thockiness of the RedBlue.
When it comes to feel, the Briny is noted for providing an unspecified characteristic, while the RedBlue is characterized by a mild and polished experience. The mild nature of the RedBlue switch ensures an approachable typing experience, appealing to users who desire a softer touch without aggressive feedback. Additionally, its polished quality promises smoother key travel and reduced friction, leading to a more seamless typing experience. If we consider this aspect, the feel of the Briny may still cater to linear switch enthusiasts, typically delivering a smooth action, but specific comparisons regarding its exact tactile quality remain unknown.
In summary, both the Keygeek Briny and SP-Star RedBlue linear switches cater to distinct preferences with regard to sound and feel. The Briny's balanced sound profile allows for versatile usage, while the RedBlue excels with its thocky and low-pitched tones, making it an appealing option for users seeking depth and richness in sound. On the feel front, the RedBlue offers a mild and polished experience, perfect for those who appreciate a gentle, smooth typing touch. Overall, while you will experience some similarities in the linear typing experience, key differences in sound and feel can sway users toward one switch or the other based on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a bottoming out force of 60 grams, the Briny may be the better option for you, especially if you're seeking a balanced sound profile that leans towards a more robust typing experience. This switch's construction with an UPE stem and pure PA66 housing provides a satisfying sound and feel, making it suitable for a variety of use cases, from gaming to professional work. On the other hand, if you find yourself favoring a medium-light typing experience that’s particularly smooth and polished, you might gravitate towards the SP-Star RedBlue switch, which has a slightly lower bottom out force of 57 grams. Its low-pitched and thocky nature contributes to a gentle yet satisfying acoustic feedback that many users find appealing for both casual and extensive typing sessions. Therefore, consider how much resistance you prefer in the switch along with your expectations for sound—whether you want that deeper, bass-rich tone of the Briny or the mellow, polished feel of the RedBlue—as that will significantly influence your ultimate satisfaction with either switch.
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