Keygeek Briny vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the captivating world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and Akko Rosewood stand out as two exceptional linear options, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Briny, renowned for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile that appeals to those seeking a subtle yet satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound, enhanced straight out of the box by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, making it a fantastic choice for users who crave auditory feedback during their typing sessions. While both switches offer a linear feel and smooth keystrokes, the choice between them ultimately depends on your specific sound 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the Akko Rosewood utilize nylon as their primary housing material for both the top and bottom components of their switches. This shared material choice leads to a consistent sound profile that is characterized by a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. The use of nylon, known for its relatively soft structure, enhances sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. This commonality suggests that both keyboards will provide a similar tactile and auditory feedback when typing, contributing to a satisfying user experience.
Examining the switch design further, it's important to note that the characteristics imparted by nylon can influence both the sound produced during a key press and the feel when a key is bottomed out. With the Briny and the Rosewood each built with nylon for both the top and bottom housings, the sound dynamics remain consistent across the entire key interaction process. When using these switches, typists will likely experience similar sound profiles that emphasize muted and subdued acoustics, complementing the overall tactile performance of both keyboards.
However, if there were variations in housing materials, the overall typing experience might be affected. For instance, if either the Briny or the Rosewood introduced a harder plastic for the top or bottom housing, the impact on sound absorption and key feel could lead to noticeable differences. In contrast, both of these keyboards' complete nylon construction maintains uniformity in the performance characteristics of their switches, ensuring that users will encounter a satisfying experience rooted in the shared properties of nylon regardless of the specific keyboard they choose.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to various preferences. The Briny switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a medium resistance that provides a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Rosewood switch is lighter, featuring an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Rosewood particularly appealing for those who favor a softer touch, as it allows for less strain during prolonged typing sessions, perfect for users who need to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter switch with less resistance, the Akko Rosewood is the better choice, while the Keygeek Briny provides a firmer, more tactile experience for those who enjoy a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences. The Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a slightly shorter option that may appeal to gamers and those who seek quicker response times. In contrast, the Rosewood has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns more closely with traditional keyboard preferences and offers a heftier feel for users who enjoy more substantial key presses. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Briny's shorter travel distance may be the better choice, while the Rosewood's longer travel distance could provide the depth some users prefer. Ultimately, your selection will depend on whether you prioritize speed or tactile feedback.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 offers a balanced sound profile that leans towards a subtle tone, making it a solid choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deep, satisfying thock that resonates nicely thanks to a careful application of lubricant during manufacturing. The distinct thocky sound of the Rosewood adds a layer of auditory enjoyment that may appeal particularly to those who like pronounced acoustic feedback when typing. However, it’s essential to remember that sound can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard frame, keycap material, and plate design.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch is likely engineered to provide a smooth and consistent experience with its UPE stem configuration, offering an enjoyable yet neutral typing sensation. On the other hand, the Rosewood switch, while also linear, is expected to deliver a tactile experience that may feel more substantial under the fingers due to its thocky sound, which often translates to a perception of a smoother and more engaging keystroke. Both switches offer a decidedly linear feel, meaning users can expect a lack of tactile bump throughout the key travel.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny and Akko Rosewood linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Briny promotes a more balanced sound and a consistent feel, while the Rosewood excels with a deep thock and potentially more engaging tactile sensation. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but both are sure to provide a satisfying linear switch experience.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, then the Briny might be the ideal choice for you. Its balanced sound profile, coupled with the UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing, offers a satisfying tactile experience, making it suitable for both typing and gaming without being overly noisy. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that provides a lighter touch, the 50-gram bottom-out force of the Rosewood will likely feel more comfortable for extended typing sessions. Moreover, with its deep, thocky sound enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, the Rosewood switch delivers a rich auditory experience right out of the box. In essence, both switches have their unique strengths: opt for the Briny if you seek a more balanced tactile feel and sound, while the Rosewood is the way to go if you prefer a lighter keypress and a deeper auditory feedback.
Mentioned in this article
