Keygeek Briny vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear each present unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Briny, with its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is designed to deliver a balanced sound profile, making it a solid choice for those who seek a reliable and harmonious typing experience. Conversely, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out as a recent innovation within the linear switch category, noted for its whisper-quiet topping-out sound paired with a more pronounced clacky bottom-out noise. This switch offers a silky smooth feel without being overly polished, catering to users who value a tactile yet unobtrusive experience. Ultimately, both switches offer advantages that cater to diverse user preferences; 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
N/A
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
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear keyboards, we see a clear distinction in the materials used for the top housing, while the bottom housing remains consistent in both switches. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. This material absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience as the keys are pressed and released. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer plastic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, allowing for a more resonant and clear audio feedback. The aesthetic advantage of polycarbonate is also noteworthy, as its translucency makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting applications, allowing vibrant illumination to shine through.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches provides an interesting insight into their acoustic characteristics. Both the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear feature nylon bottom housings, which share the same properties and sound profile. This consistency results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience irrespective of the differences in their top housings. As a softer plastic, nylon in the bottom housing helps to further absorb sound during key presses, ensuring that the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound retain a rounded familiarity, even in switches that may otherwise sound distinct at their release.
Ultimately, the interplay between the differing top and the consistent bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile and feel of each switch. In the case of both the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, the nylon bottom housing ensures a depth of sound that provides commonality between the two. However, the contrasting top materials dictate the nuanced auditory signature of each switch during operation. While users of both keyboards can expect a robust, satisfying keystroke experience, the Briny will deliver a more muted result compared to the crisper tone of the Semi-Silent Linear, demonstrating how material choice plays a significant role in the sensory characteristics of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating a relatively moderate effort required to trigger a keystroke, while the Semi-Silent Linear's actuation force is not specified. However, both switches have bottom out forces that are quite close, with the Briny at 60 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear slightly heavier at 62 grams. This suggests that while the Briny provides a lighter touch during actuation, the Semi-Silent offers a more substantial resistance at bottoming out. For users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Briny may be a better option. In contrast, those who enjoy a heavier feel might lean towards the Jwick, especially given that the lack of a specified actuation force implies it could potentially feel heavier than the Briny during use. Overall, while the actuation force of the Briny is clear, the unknown force of the Semi-Silent Linear makes a direct comparison in that regard challenging.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Briny switch the shorter option in terms of travel distance, offering a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers seeking quick keypress reactions. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch's slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm provides a deeper, more substantial typing experience, which some users may find preferable for avoiding abrupt key presses. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Briny’s design may appeal to those who enjoy a snappier response, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced key travel.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 is known for producing a balanced sound profile, making it versatile for various typing environments. Conversely, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a more subdued sound. While it maintains a clacky bottom-out sound, its whisper-quiet topping-out provides an innovative approach that can be appealing in quieter settings. This nuanced sound signature allows the Semi-Silent Linear to stand out for those who prefer a more subtle auditory experience, especially when the overall typing environment demands less noise.
When comparing the feel of both switches, the Briny's subjective qualities remain unknown. However, the Semi-Silent Linear is characterized by a mild typing experience, which makes it approachable for most users. Its snappy responsiveness adds a dynamic aspect to the typing experience, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, the buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, further enhanced by its polished characteristics. This blend of qualities makes the Semi-Silent Linear a well-rounded choice that offers a combination of comfort and performance.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch boasts a balanced sound profile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear brings a unique auditory experience with its subdued characteristics. The differences in feel are also highlighted, with the Semi-Silent Linear offering a range of responsive and smooth sensations that might cater to various preferences. If you're looking for linear switches with distinct qualities, choosing between the two will largely depend on whether you prioritize sound and feel or a specific blend of both. Ultimately, while the Briny excels in sound balance, the Semi-Silent's quiet yet lively feel might resonate better with users seeking versatility and a refined typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, consider your specific typing needs and environment. If you appreciate a balanced sound profile and a medium actuation force, the Briny may serve you well, especially if you seek a more neutral experience that is suitable for both home and work settings. Its materials contribute to a consistent tactile feel, making it a solid choice for general typing tasks. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a whisper-quiet operation with a bit of clack when bottoming out, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear could be your ideal pick. The snappy and buttery feel of this switch caters to those who enjoy a responsive typing experience while still being considerate of noise levels. Therefore, if you often type in shared spaces or prefer a quieter click without sacrificing the satisfaction of a full keystroke, the Semi-Silent would likely align better with your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, enabling you to enhance your typing experience according to your specific requirements.
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