Keygeek Briny vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of popular options like the Keygeek Briny and the Huano Sakura—both linear switches that cater to unique typing preferences. The Briny, characterized by its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile that appeals to users seeking a satisfying auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura stands out for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. While the Briny may be ideal for users who appreciate a symphony of tactile feedback and sound, the Sakura offers effortless actuation for marathon typists. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the Huano Sakura showcase distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, revealing a notable contrast between the two. The Briny utilizes nylon, a classic choice that is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. This softer plastic has sound-absorbing properties that contribute to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura employs POK (polyketone) as its top housing material, which is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a higher coefficient of friction than nylon, POK not only offers a distinct tactile feel but also produces a smooth and clacky sound. Hence, while both materials aim to create optimal typing experiences, they do so through contrasting acoustic and tactile properties.
When observing the bottom housings, both the Keygeek Briny and Huano Sakura feature nylon materials, aligning their characteristics closely in this regard. Nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities are consistent between both switches, fostering a deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out. This uniformity in the bottom housing means that regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience, particularly when key presses are fully engaged. Consequently, while the sound signature during actuation may vary due to the POK's properties in the Sakura's top housing, the resulting bottom sound profile remains consistent owing to the nylon bottom.
The interaction between the top and bottom housings further highlights the unique approaches these switches take. The Briny’s nylon top and bottom housings provide a cohesive sound experience, where the softer material dampens the sound during both actuation and release. In contrast, the Sakura's combination of POK for the top housing and nylon for the bottom leads to an interesting juxtaposition; the POK enhances the typing feel and creates a crisper sound upon release, while the nylon may dull the sound slightly upon bottoming out. This dynamic blending of materials allows each switch to develop a unique profile—where one excels in acoustic depth, the other champions smoothness and durability. Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials play a crucial role in defining the overall typing experience, while the similarities in the bottom housing unify their foundational sound qualities.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom-out forces. The Briny has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer, more effortless keystroke. This distinction in weight affects the typing experience greatly; the Briny's medium forces allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while the Sakura’s lighter forces enable swift typing and gaming with minimal effort. Therefore, if you're looking for a more tactile feel while typing, the Briny would be preferable, whereas the Sakura would be ideal for users looking for lighter and faster keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch is 3.6 mm, indicating that they offer an identical distance from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. This means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and response time from both switches, resulting in a comparable typing experience. Since both switches share the same travel distance, gamers and typists may find it challenging to distinguish between the two based solely on this metric, further emphasizing their equivalent performance in this aspect.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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, suggesting a harmonious blend of tones that likely makes it versatile for various typing preferences. While specific sound characteristics might not be detailed, the combination of its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing contributes to its overall acoustic quality. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch offers medium acoustics, characterized by a feather-light touch, making it particularly well-suited for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. This combination of features implies that the Briny might provide a more neutral auditory experience, while the Sakura leans towards a lighter and less intrusive sound, which could appeal to those who favor a quieter environment.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch is likely designed for a smooth and consistent keystroke, benefiting from its linear nature. This suggests that users will experience a seamless typing experience with a steady resistance throughout. The Sakura, on the other hand, is known for its feather-light touch, which can be advantageous for those who prefer a light actuation force, allowing for rapid key presses with minimal effort. The differing weights can affect typing rhythm significantly: the Briny might favor those who enjoy a more substantial key press sensation, whereas the Sakura accommodates users who prioritize speed and ease of typing.
Overall, both the Keygeek Briny and Huano Sakura linear switches have unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Briny's balanced sound and smooth feel may appeal to users looking for a versatile switch, while the Sakura's feather-light touch and medium acoustics make it ideal for those engaged in extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes balance and consistency or a lightweight typing experience. Either way, both can deliver a satisfying outcome, albeit through different sensory paths.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and use case. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams that provides a balanced sound profile and a slightly more tactile feel, the Briny would be a solid choice, particularly for those who appreciate a responsive typing experience. The materials used, such as the UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing, ensure durability and a satisfying sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, the Sakura switch is likely to suit you better. Its feather-light actuation makes it an excellent option for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key, as it minimizes finger fatigue. The Sakura's medium acoustics strike a balance that many users find appealing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what feels best in your hands, aligning not only with your typing style but also the types of tasks you frequently perform with your keyboard.
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