Keygeek Briny vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Durock Sea Glass 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 notable options to consider are the Keygeek Briny and the Durock Sea Glass switches. The Briny, with its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, offers a balanced sound profile that caters to users who appreciate a pleasant auditory response while typing. It is designed for those seeking a smooth and consistent linear experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches stand out with their captivating pastel colors and a typing experience characterized by a unique dryness, wispiness, and airiness, accompanied by a feather-light feel despite a 62g bottom-out force. This makes the Sea Glass an attractive option for those who value aesthetics and a distinguishing sound signature alongside ease of use. While both switches offer their own unique features and benefits, such as the Briny’s balanced acoustics and the Sea Glass's visually appealing design and lightweight touch, it’s essential to consider which attributes resonate with your personal 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
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 Durock Sea Glass switches, we find distinct yet complementary characteristics that contribute to their overall performance and sound profile. The Briny features a classic nylon top and bottom housing, renowned for its ability to produce a sound that is deeper and fuller due to the material's softer nature. This inherent softness allows the nylon to absorb sound waves, resulting in a more rounded and subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Sea Glass switches incorporate a polymer blend of nylon and UHMWPE for both the top and bottom housings. This combination boasts a unique sound profile that skews slightly brighter while still maintaining a pleasant overall tone. Although both switches utilize nylon, the addition of UHMWPE in the Sea Glass introduces a different character to its sound.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon in their housing, the materials diverge in terms of acoustic properties and user experience. The Briny's pure nylon construction consistently contributes to a duller sound profile that some typists may find comforting and familiar. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass's polymer blend enhances the brightness of the sound, appealing to a different preference among users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback. This distinction is particularly significant in the context of keypress mechanics; with the Briny providing a more muted response upon bottoming out, while the Sea Glass allows for a livelier auditory feedback that can stimulate a more engaging typing experience.
Ultimately, if one seeks similar results in terms of auditory experience between the two switches, it is essential to consider how the differing housing materials impact the sound during both the actuation and release of keys. The Briny's uniform nylon construction ensures that the sound signature remains consistent throughout the keypress, while the Sea Glass's material composition might lead to a more nuanced sound archetype that reflects the diverse qualities of both nylon and UHMWPE. Therefore, understanding the balance brought by each housing material is crucial, as it shapes not only the immediate tactile feedback but also the overall acoustic experience while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Sea Glass has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Briny requires a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke, making it suitable for those who prefer a heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Briny's force is 60 grams compared to the Sea Glass's slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams. Although the bottom out forces are close, the Sea Glass’s is marginally heavier, suggesting a firmer bottoming out experience. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions might gravitate toward the Sea Glass due to its lower actuation force, while those who enjoy a more robust feel may opt for the Briny.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it's clear that they differ slightly, with the Briny measuring 3.6 mm and the Sea Glass at 3.8 mm. This makes the Briny the shorter of the two, providing a more responsive feel that can be appealing to gamers who prefer quicker key presses for a competitive edge. In contrast, the Sea Glass, with its longer 3.8 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial sense of depth when typing, making each keystroke feel more deliberate. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences; those seeking faster response times will likely gravitate towards the Briny, while those who favor heavier keystrokes may prefer the Sea Glass.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 produces a balanced sound profile due to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This design is likely to create an acoustically pleasing experience that doesn't overwhelm the user, providing a consistent auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, potentially producing a more airy and slight echo when pressed. While both switches aim for clarity in sound, the Briny leans towards a more neutral tone, while the Sea Glass’s distinctive dryness contributes to a lighter sound experience. Ultimately, the sound of each switch will also be influenced by the keycap and board combination you pair them with.
Regarding feel, the Briny switch is known for its smooth and mild typing experience, seeking to appeal to a broad range of users. In contrast, the Sea Glass switches are characterized by their frictionless nature, providing an effortlessly smooth and fluid key press. Many users may find the Sea Glass to be exceptionally light and feathery, reducing finger fatigue and promoting comfort during prolonged use. The gentle resistance offered by the Sea Glass makes it easy to press, encouraging quick and responsive typing, while the Briny’s mild characteristics provide a safe, approachable experience that is still enjoyable for extensive typing sessions. Both switches offer an excellent balance of smoothness and comfort, although the Briny might appeal more to those preferring a traditional feel.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny and Durock Sea Glass linear switches may vary in their sound profiles—with the former achieving a balanced tone and the latter delivering a hollow, airy sound—they both provide impressive typing experiences in terms of feel. Users of both switches can expect smooth operation and reduced strain during long typing sessions. The choice between these two may ultimately come down to personal sound preference and the overall typing experience you seek, as both switches deliver reliable performance with somewhat distinct auditory characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Keygeek Briny and Durock Sea Glass linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a switch that offers a balanced sound profile with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Briny might be your best pick. Its UPE stem and PA66 housing ensure a harmonious auditory experience that pairs well with a moderate typing feel, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming without overwhelming your senses. On the other hand, if you prefer a uniquely light and airy typing experience, the Sea Glass switches would be more appropriate for you. Weighing in at 62 grams, they may seem slightly heavier, but their frictionless nature and mild, feathery touch create an effortless typing experience that feels deceptively light. Their pastel colors can also add an aesthetic appeal to your keyboard setup. Ultimately, if you seek a smooth, lightweight, and visually appealing option, go for the Sea Glass; whereas, if you desire a more balanced auditory experience with a reliable feel, the Briny should be your choice.
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