Keygeek Briny vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can drastically alter your typing experience, and two standout options in the linear category are the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. The Keygeek Briny, with its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, making it a great choice for those seeking both performance and acoustic consistency. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a medium-weight all-POM construction that delivers a distinctive thocky sound alongside exceptional smoothness, appealing to users who prioritize tactile feedback without the tactile bump. While both switches offer unique benefits, the Briny excels with its refined auditory experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie positions itself as a cost-effective option without compromising quality. 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
48g
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, we can see distinct differences in their components. The Briny utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its classic status among housing materials. The softness of nylon leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. This absorption results in a more muted auditory experience, providing a duller and rounder quality when typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top and bottom housings are made of POM, a material recognized for its unique and pleasing sound characteristics. POM's properties contribute to a sound profile that is also deep but leans towards a more muted tonality, creating a distinctive typing experience that differs from the nylon-based Briny.
While both keyboard switches aim for a satisfying auditory experience, the impact of the housing material manifests differently between the two. For the Briny, each housing—being made from nylon—contributes equally to sound and typing feel. The combination of nylon’s softer texture amplifies the characteristics of the switch, ensuring that both the bottom-out sound and the release sound retain a consistent fuller tone. Meanwhile, with the Sea Salt Smoothie, the POM material offers its unique sound signature, promoting a smoothness and pleasure in the auditory feedback, albeit the sound may not resonate as richly as the Briny. In this case, the POM housings will yield fascinating results, bringing a distinctive contrast to the overall typing experience as the user explores the unique sound qualities that POM provides compared to nylon.
Despite the differences in housing materials, it is essential to acknowledge that the Briny and Sea Salt Smoothie can yield similar results in terms of typing experience if one accounts for the nuances of sound and feel from each combination. The Briny’s fully nylon construction may provide a more rounded acoustic experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie’s dual POM housing offers a refined sound quality. The notable impact of the individual materials' properties means that while typing, users may find that both switches produce a relatively deep and muted sound profile. The distinct impact each material has on the sound when bottoming out or releasing a key reveals that both the Briny and Sea Salt Smoothie create engaging typing experiences, appealing to different preferences in sound absorption and resonance.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch exhibit slightly different actuation forces, which can influence user experience. The Briny requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium feel that balances comfort and robust feedback. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it easier to type quickly with less strain over long periods. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, making it difficult to fully compare the depth of engagement when pressed against the Briny's defined bottom out force. Overall, while the Briny is the heavier option, the Sea Salt Smoothie might appeal to those seeking a lighter touch, especially in extended typing sessions. If the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie were known, a more direct comparison could be made.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Keygeek Briny linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Briny the shorter option, ideal for those who seek a more responsive feel with quicker key presses, catering to gamers who favor faster response times. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's 3.7 mm travel provides a bit more depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a fuller typing experience and find that longer travel distances feel more satisfying rather than sudden. While both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, the slight difference highlights the Briny as the preferable choice for those prioritizing responsiveness, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who appreciate a bit more travel in their keystrokes.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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, which makes it a versatile choice for a variety of settings, whether you're gaming or typing away at a work project. This balanced acoustics can provide a serene typing experience without being overly harsh or distracting. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its thocky sound profile, offering a more resonant and deeper tone when keys are pressed. This can enhance the overall auditory experience, especially for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback sound while they type. Each switch's sound is also impacted by factors such as the keyboard type and keycap material you choose, allowing room for personalization in both cases.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch is characterized by its smooth operation thanks to its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing. This combination results in a satisfying tactile experience, making it pleasant for prolonged use. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers exceptional smoothness as well, emphasizing its medium-weight design that balances resistance and ease of keypress. Both switches are designed to provide a fluid typing experience, appealing to users who prioritize smooth keystrokes without any hitch.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct sound profiles—with the former being balanced and the latter more thocky—both provide a high level of smoothness in typing feel. The Briny leans towards a gentle experience, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie gives a bit more auditory presence with its thocky tone. Ultimately, the choice between them will come down to personal preference regarding sound and the desired typing sensation, but both will ensure satisfying performance in their use.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie should hinge on your specific preferences for feel, sound, and actuation force. If you favor a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams that can offer a balanced typing experience along with a well-defined acoustics profile, the Briny switch could be an excellent fit for you. It is tailored for those who appreciate a versatile and moderate tactile feedback during typing and gaming, making it a solid all-rounder. On the other hand, if you are looking for an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience complemented by a thocky sound profile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be your best bet. This switch delivers a slightly heavier and more satisfying sound along with a build quality that doesn’t compromise on performance despite its more budget-friendly pricing. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the sound profile you enjoy most when making your decision; each switch has its strengths, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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