Keygeek Briny vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Keygeek Briny and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Briny is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, featuring a UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing that delivers a satisfying experience without being overly noisy. Ideal for users seeking a blend of durability and a smooth keystroke, the Briny is perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches stand out with their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing a light touch that translates into vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. This energetic responsiveness makes them a fantastic choice for those who thrive on a lively typing environment. While both switches have their unique appeal, understanding their differences can help you make an informed choice for your keyboard setup; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches exhibit notable contrasts, primarily because the Briny utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the Salt Ice features polycarbonate. The use of nylon in the Briny's housing leads to a sound profile characterized by deeper, fuller tones, as nylon’s softer texture absorbs sound effectively. This quality creates a distinct auditory experience that is rounder and less sharp, making it appealing for users who appreciate a warmer typing sound. Conversely, the Salt Ice's use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, produces a crisp, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates clearly. This difference is significant for enthusiasts who prefer either the soft, mellow undertones of nylon or the bright, accurate tones offered by polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Salt Ice serves an additional purpose for users who prioritize RGB lighting. The clear housing allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the visual appeal of backlit keyboards. In contrast, while nylon is not inherently translucent, the overall aesthetic of the Briny is more muted, aligning with its sound profile. Both housing materials ultimately serve their respective functions well, but they cater to different user preferences. For those who enjoy a more vibrant and colorful keyboard experience, polycarbonate's clear housing could be a significant advantage.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the impact of the distinct materials on a user’s feel is noteworthy. Since the Briny uses nylon for both top and bottom housings, its sound dampening properties are consistent throughout the entire switch. This results in a more uniform feel, particularly at the bottom-out phase of a keystroke. In contrast, the Salt Ice’s combination of a stiff polycarbonate top and bottom will provide a unique blend of properties during typing—one that captures the high-pitched clarity on release while still offering a robust bottom-out feel. Therefore, even though both switches utilize different materials, their varied structural designs can lead to satisfyingly distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences based on user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, there are some notable differences in actuation force. The Briny requires a medium actuation force of 50 grams, while the Salt Ice is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams. This suggests that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may favor the Salt Ice. However, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice is not specified, which introduces uncertainty regarding how it performs when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the Briny features a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches offer different actuation forces, the Briny is the heavier option, making it more suitable for users who desire a firmer feel, while the lighter Salt Ice may cater to those looking for ease of use with the unknown bottom out force lingering as a consideration.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Salt Ice has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Briny offers a more pronounced key press, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's shorter travel distance could provide faster response times, making it a preferable option for gamers who prioritize quick actions. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your preference for key feel; if you favor a more responsive switch, the Salt Ice would be the better pick, whereas if a hearty depth is more to your liking, the Briny would be the way to go.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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, which tends to be more subdued and inoffensive, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. This contrasts with the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics. The vibrant sound of the Salt Ice can create a lively typing atmosphere, appealing to those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. However, it’s important to note that the final sound experience will depend on various factors, including the keyboard build and keycap material being used.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch offers a smooth and linear experience that allows for uninterrupted key travel, making it ideal for users who prefer a consistent and straightforward typing action. Meanwhile, the Salt Ice switch is characterized by its light touch and responsive actuation, providing a sense of energy and engagement with each keystroke. This can make typing feel more dynamic and lively compared to the more linear feel of the Briny. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on personal preference regarding typing sensations.
Considering both the sound and feel characteristics, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is perfect for those who appreciate a quiet yet smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch caters to users looking for bright acoustics and a spirited feel. Whether you opt for the Briny or the Salt Ice, both switches provide distinct benefits that cater to different typing styles, ensuring that there's a suitable option for a wide range of users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more balanced sound profile and a typing experience that offers a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny will likely suit you well. Its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing provide a solid feel that enhances control without being overly heavy, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. However, if you value a lively and responsive typing experience with an energetic character, the Salt Ice is your go-to option. Its exceptionally bright and clacky traits, combined with a light touch, deliver a dynamic feedback that makes typing feel effortless. Ultimately, consider what attributes are most important to you: go for the Briny for a balanced and controlled experience or the Salt Ice for an exciting and engaging touch.
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