Keygeek Briny vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and TTC Silent Red offer distinct yet appealing characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Briny, with its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for delivering a balanced sound profile, making it a versatile choice for typists who appreciate a more dynamic acoustic experience while still enjoying the benefits of a linear switch. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red prioritizes a smooth and seamless typing experience, complete with a muted sound profile that ensures minimal disruption in environments like offices or shared spaces. With a refined feel from top to bottom and a padded bottom-out for added comfort, the Silent Red is the go-to option for those seeking a more quiet and serene typing experience. Each switch brings unique benefits to the table, allowing users to choose based on their particular needs and environments. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the TTC Silent Red, a distinct contrast emerges in the composition of their top housings. The Briny utilizes a nylon top housing, which is lauded for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer material properties. This quality enables it to absorb sound more effectively than stiffer plastics, resulting in a more muted audio experience. In contrast, the Silent Red features a top housing crafted from polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity. This results in a sharper, crisper sound that resonates more clearly, creating a brighter auditory response. The aesthetic choice is also evident here; the polycarbonate’s translucency allows for effective RGB lighting diffusion, enhancing the visual element of customizable keyboards.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, with both the Briny and the Silent Red using nylon. This shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a consistent foundation in terms of sound and feel, resulting in a deeper and rounded bottom-out experience when the keys are fully pressed. The absorption properties of nylon help to minimize unpleasant noise and contribute to a pleasant typing experience, regardless of the differences in top housing materials. Therefore, while the top housings launch each switch into distinctive auditory realms, it is the nylon bottom that neutralizes these contrasts by providing a shared depth in sound and tactile feedback.
Given the differences and similarities in the housing materials, users can expect varied sound profiles from these two switches. The nylon top housing of the Briny will create a fuller sound that is perfect for users seeking a quieter typing experience, while the polycarbonate of the Silent Red will cater to those who prefer brightness and clarity in their keystrokes. The audible characteristics will be influenced primarily by the top housing; however, with the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches, the tactile feel during key activation will be pleasantly consistent. Ultimately, players seeking a particular sound experience can choose based on their preference for auditory clarity versus a muted sound while enjoying a familiar tactile foundation.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we see differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to various typing preferences. The Briny has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the Silent Red's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Red requires less force to register a keystroke, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where a lighter touch may reduce fatigue. However, the bottom out forces tell a different story; the Briny’s bottom out force is 60 grams, while the Silent Red has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. As a result, while the Silent Red offers a gentler touch in terms of actuation, it feels heavier when fully pressed down. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Silent Red more appealing overall, though its heavier bottoming out could feel more substantial for those who enjoy a firmer keypress. Conversely, those who like a more balanced medium feel might lean towards the Briny switch.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Briny provides a shorter actuation depth compared to the Silent Red, making it a better option for those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker key presses, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Red's 3.7 mm travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a little more depth in their keystrokes, as it allows for a more pronounced feel when typing. Overall, if you opt for the Keygeek Briny, you'll experience a marginally more responsive performance, while the TTC Silent Red might deliver a more satisfying tactile sensation for those who appreciate deeper travel distances.
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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Briny switch offers a balanced sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which allows for a harmonious blend of audible feedback without being overly loud. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch is specifically engineered for quietness. Its muted sound profile significantly reduces noise, making it an excellent choice for environments where discretion is paramount. While both switches produce less intrusive sounds compared to more traditional, clacky options, the Briny's balanced acoustics provide a pleasing auditory experience, ideal for those who appreciate more resonance.
In terms of feel, the keyboard experience with the Briny switch is anticipated to be equally satisfying, though specifics are not provided in the information. However, the TTC Silent Red is noted for its smooth and consistent action throughout the key press, coupled with a padded bottom-out feel that enhances overall comfort. This creates a gentle typing experience that minimizes fatigue over extended use. The combination of a mild yet polished feel in the Silent Red offers refined motion and reduced friction, which may set it apart from the Briny, although the latter's feel remains unspecified.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny and TTC Silent Red switches cater to different preferences within the linear switch category. The Briny provides a well-rounded sound and is likely to offer a satisfying typing experience, while the Silent Red excels in producing a quiet and gentle keystroke, making it ideal for quieter settings. Each switch will appeal to users based on their sound and tactile preferences, making either a solid choice for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboard options.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch comes down to your specific typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a balanced sound profile and a moderate bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny might be the right choice for you, especially if you enjoy a tactile and responsive feel without excessive noise. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience, especially in shared spaces like offices or apartments, the TTC Silent Red is an excellent option. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it delivers a smooth, mild touch that feels polished and consistent, combined with a muted sound profile that minimizes distractions. Ultimately, consider whether you value sound and feel over noise control and comfort, as this decision will significantly enhance your typing experience.
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