Keygeek Briny vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to options like the Keygeek Briny and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The Keygeek Briny features an UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, known for its balanced sound profile and reliable performance; it's a solid choice for typists looking for a linear switch that offers a smooth and uninterrupted keypress without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding excels with its hall effect technology, providing a satisfying, deep sound alongside a smooth operation that balances precision with a pleasurable typing experience. This switch is particularly appealing for those who seek versatility, as it is fully compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, making it a great option for performance-oriented users. Each switch has its unique strengths that cater to different preferences—linear for a minimalist experience and hall effect for those who prioritize versatility and sound. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Everglide Rice Pudding, distinct differences emerge in their sound profiles due to the contrasting materials used in their top housings. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This softer plastic helps to create a more muted sound, ultimately yielding a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Rice Pudding’s top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer and more resonant material. This composition lends itself to a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches have unique sound characteristics influenced by their top housing materials, the Briny captures a warmer tonality, whereas the Rice Pudding offers a brighter, more defined sound.
Conversely, both the Keygeek Briny and the Everglide Rice Pudding share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the overall feel and sound of a keystroke. Since both switches employ this material, they will produce that signature deep and rounded tone upon bottoming out. The similarity in the bottom housing ensures that users experience a cohesive tactile response regardless of the differences in their top housings. When actuating the switches, both the Briny and the Rice Pudding will provide a satisfying, cushioned feel due to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties, making their performances comparable at this level.
Finally, the combination of varying top housing materials with identical bottom housings leads to a distinctive typing experience for both switches. The tonal qualities will be distinctly divided; the Briny, with its nylon top, maintains a softer sound when keys are released, while the Rice Pudding delivers a brighter profile upon release, thanks to its polycarbonate material. However, since both switches share a nylon bottom, users can expect a similar tactile feedback and a muted bottom-out sound that helps unify the overall experience. This convergence of characteristics illustrates that, despite the contrasting top housings, the Briny and Rice Pudding can nonetheless provide a satisfying typing experience through their shared nylon foundation, combining the depth from the bottom housing with the unique sonic qualities of the top.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there is a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range which provides a satisfying resistance for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, appealing to users who favor a more effortless keystroke, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the Briny serves individuals who appreciate a heavier touch, while the Rice Pudding caters to those seeking a lightweight feel. If users prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Rice Pudding is undoubtedly the better choice.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Briny the longer option by a narrow margin of 0.1 mm, appealing to those who may prefer a bit more depth in their key presses. In contrast, the Rice Pudding, with its slightly shorter travel distance, may offer a more responsive feel, which is often favored by gamers seeking quick actuation. Despite the minimal difference between the two switches, individuals who enjoy a more abrupt response may gravitate toward the Rice Pudding, while those who appreciate a more substantial travel may find the Briny to be their ideal choice.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 produces a balanced sound profile, offering a subtle auditory experience that's neither too loud nor too soft. This quality is especially appreciated by users who seek a pleasant typing session without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch delivers a deep sound that enhances its smooth operation, contributing to a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find engaging. While both switches are designed to provide a balanced sound, the Rice Pudding may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory experience, although personal preferences can vary with different boards and keycaps influencing sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch is known for its smooth linear action, providing consistent resistance throughout the keystroke, which translates to a seamless typing experience. This makes it attractive for typists looking for fluidity without tactile interruption. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch also emphasizes smooth operation but is recognized for its precise feedback that could help in achieving more accurate keystrokes. Both switches cater to users who prefer a linear experience, but the distinct qualities of the Rice Pudding may lend it an edge for those valuing a touch of additional responsiveness.
Overall, both the Keygeek Briny and Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer appealing characteristics in sound and feel, making them suitable choices for different types of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Briny’s balanced sound and smooth linear feel position it as a reliable option for those seeking understated yet effective performance, while the Rice Pudding’s deeper sound and precise feedback enhance the typing experience for those wanting not just smoothness, but also responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize the subtlety of sound and feel found in the Briny or the more pronounced characteristics of the Rice Pudding.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a medium resistance and a balanced sound profile, the Briny could be the ideal switch for you. It appeals particularly to those who enjoy a solid typing experience with a satisfying feedback mechanism that doesn't tire your fingers over long sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a deep sound and crave smooth operation, the Rice Pudding switch may be more suited to your needs. Its lower actuation force makes it great for rapid typing or gaming, especially for enthusiasts looking for a level of versatility with compatibility on innovative keyboards like those from Wooting. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s sound, feel, or actuation force—as both switches cater to different types of users.