Keygeek Briny vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer two distinct yet appealing options for fans of linear switches. The Briny, recognized for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile that caters to those who appreciate a more subtle auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon shines with its progressive spring design and KTT's innovative dry-lube treatment, providing a buttery smooth typing experience that many users find desirable. While the Briny leans towards a refined sound suitable for focused work environments, the Sea Salt Lemon delights with an exceptionally smooth actuation that's perfect for long typing sessions. 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
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and KTT Sea Salt Lemon utilize differing materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic characteristics. The Briny features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This quality allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a muted and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon employs a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound that enhances the typing experience, particularly for users looking for a brighter auditory feedback. Consequently, those who prefer a softer sound will gravitate towards the Briny, while those seeking clarity and brightness might opt for the Sea Salt Lemon.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both the Briny and Sea Salt Lemon are made from nylon, showcasing a similarity that provides a consistent auditory signature for their typing feel. The nylon material in the bottom housing, being softer, continues to facilitate a deeper and fuller sound when the key bottoms out. This shared characteristic between the two switches means that regardless of the differing top housing materials, both switches will deliver a dulled sound profile when pressed down, ensuring that the acoustic experience is unified at the bottom of each keystroke. Thus, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing remains consistent in delivering a similar auditory feedback across both switches.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials may cater to varying preferences among users, while the shared nylon bottom housing provides a common ground. The combination of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a satisfactory sound profile when bottoming out, allowing users to enjoy a rounder sound irrespective of the top housing material chosen. By understanding these differences and similarities, users can make informed choices based on their personal auditory preferences while enjoying a consistent base experience with either the Keygeek Briny or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Briny requires a bit more force to register a keystroke, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon’s lighter actuation force allows for easier and potentially longer typing or gaming sessions, appealing to those who favor a softer touch. As such, the Briny is the heavier option overall, while the Sea Salt Lemon stands out as the lighter switch. Therefore, users seeking a less strenuous typing experience may be drawn to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, whereas those desiring a more pronounced actuation might prefer the Keygeek Briny.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we see a distinct difference. The Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive switch with a quicker actuation, the Briny may suit your needs better due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and responsiveness.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 profile that makes it versatile across different environments, providing a pleasant acoustic experience for both typing and gaming. Meanwhile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch stands out with its low-pitched, bass-heavy tone, which tends to create a mellow and soothing auditory backdrop. The Sea Salt Lemon's neutral sound profile further complements its versatility, making it suitable for various settings, regardless of whether you're a beginner or an advanced user. While both switches can complement different setups, the Briny’s balanced sound may appeal to users seeking a more neutral tone, while the Sea Salt Lemon’s warmer low-pitched sound can enhance a more intimate ambiance.
When examining the feel, the Briny's characteristics are not detailed, but the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild typing experience. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon is designed to provide a gentle and smooth action with each keystroke, making it suitable for those who prefer a less aggressive tactile response. It falls into a comfortable middle ground, ensuring that both casual and serious typists will enjoy the relaxed yet responsive nature of the switch. If the Briny were also mild in its feel, users would likely experience similarly easy and approachable typing sessions; however, without specific descriptions of the Briny’s feel, it’s hard to establish a direct comparison.
In summary, both the Keygeek Briny and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches cater to users looking for smooth, linear actuation. The Briny is recognized for its balanced sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon shines with its low-pitched, neutral sound and mild typing experience. These qualities suggest that while both switches are effective for typing and gaming, the choice between them will boil down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing comfort. If you value a balanced sound with an unknown feel from the Briny, you may still enjoy a smooth experience akin to that provided by the more clearly defined mild feel of the Sea Salt Lemon.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny may be the better option for you. Its balanced sound profile, thanks to the UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing, can provide a satisfying experience, especially if you appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback while you type. This could be particularly advantageous in a work environment where auditory clues can enhance concentration. On the other hand, if you favor a softer and smoother typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, with its lighter 53 grams bottom-out force and progressive spring design, may be more to your liking. These switches are designed for a buttery smooth feel, perfect for those long typing sessions, whether at home or in a casual working environment. The low-pitched, neutral sound profile ensures that they won’t be too distracting, making them suitable for a wide range of uses. In the end, your selection should reflect your personal comfort and the specific demands of your typing tasks.
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