Keygeek Briny vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g both offer unique features that cater to different preferences among typists, despite both being linear switches. The Briny, known for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a well-rounded sound profile that balances auditory feedback with a smooth keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a satisfying typing experience without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those who prioritize a quiet environment; its whisper-quiet operation mimics the soothing sound of raindrops, while its balanced 53g bottom-out force provides a light yet satisfying actuation that is perfect for long typing sessions. Choosing between the Briny's balanced sound and tactile experience versus the Silent Sakura's serene performance depends on your individual needs and 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
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, a pronounced difference can be observed in the bottom housing materials, each significantly influencing the sound and feel of the switches. Both the Briny and Silent Sakura feature nylon top housings, renowned for their ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon is a softer plastic that inherently absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder, duller acoustic character that many typists find appealing. This shared characteristic in their top housings provides a consistent auditory experience when pressing the switches, ensuring that both models elicit a worthwhile typing sensation characterized by warm sound traits.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two switches. The Keygeek Briny utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing, reinforcing the softer sound profile throughout. This consistent use of nylon offers a cohesive typing experience, where both the bottom-out sound and release sound retain that deeper profile. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g features polycarbonate as its bottom housing material. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that contrasts with the nylon's warmer tones. This material difference means that while the Briny maintains a synergistic sound profile, the Silent Sakura's bottom housing introduces a more vibrant resonance into the mix.
The implications of the varied bottom housing materials are pivotal in shaping the tactile experience for users. Given that the bottom housing controls much of the bottom-out sound and feel, users of the Silent Sakura may enjoy a more pronounced auditory response during keystrokes, while those utilizing the Briny will experience a softer, muffled sound that promotes a more subdued typing environment. However, regardless of these differences, the shared nylon top housing ensures that both switches produce similar qualities during key release, thus inviting users to enjoy their respective unique features while still capturing a consistent auditory and tactile experience at the point of actuation.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny requires a 50-gram actuation force and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Silent Sakura has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura the overall lighter switch, which may appeal to users looking for less resistance during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Briny, being the heavier option, provides a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a firmer typing experience. While both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, the Briny’s higher forces contribute to a different tactile response compared to the softer feel of the Silent Sakura. Thus, users should consider their typing style and preferences when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Briny offers a slightly shorter travel, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura’s 4 mm distance aligns with traditional preferences for a more substantial keypress, potentially offering a more tactile experience for users who prefer a deeper actuation. Therefore, if you're aiming for speed and rapid key engagement, the Briny would be the better choice, whereas those favoring a more pronounced depth should opt for the Silent Sakura.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 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 sound profile, primarily attributed to its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing. This construction allows for a pleasant, muted tone that may not disrupt your environment, making it suitable for both office and home setups. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, evoking the gentle sound of raindrops. This makes it an excellent choice for those who type in quieter settings or for night owls who don't want to disturb others. While the Briny provides a subtle acoustic signature, the Silent Sakura's sound profile leans heavily towards silence, catering to different preferences in sound.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch is designed to deliver a smooth linear experience that typists appreciate, ensuring consistent keystrokes without any tactile bumps or interruptions. This makes it ideal for fast typists and gamers alike who value speed and fluidity. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g also promotes a smooth keystroke but emphasizes a lighter bottom-out force of 53g, adding a touch of satisfaction with each press. This lighter force can reduce fatigue over extended typing sessions, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch. While both switches prioritize a smooth linear feel, the Silent Sakura offers an extra element of ease due to its lower bottom-out weight.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches cater to distinct preferences among users when it comes to sound and feel. The Briny switch offers a balanced sound profile and a smooth typing experience, making it versatile for various environments. In contrast, the Silent Sakura excels in providing a near-silent operation and a lighter keystroke feel, ideal for those who prioritize quiet typing. If you're looking for a switch that maintains a serene ambiance while typing, the Silent Sakura is your go-to option, while the Briny could be perfect if you seek a comfortable balance in both sound and feel. The choice largely depends on whether you prioritize acoustics or a lighter touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch primarily hinges on your typing preferences and environment. If you tend to favor a more pronounced and balanced key feel, along with a medium bottom out force that's slightly more substantial at 60 grams, the Briny is likely the better option for you. Its unique build using an UPE stem and PA66 housing results in a well-rounded sound profile that adds a pleasant auditory character to your typing experience. On the other hand, if a quieter typing environment is a higher priority, especially in shared spaces, the Silent Sakura - 53g will serve you well with its medium-light force of 53 grams. This switch delivers a soft, whisper-quiet sensation reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it a perfect fit for those who appreciate a light keystroke with minimal noise. Ultimately, your selection should be guided by whether you lean towards a more tactile, sound-enabled experience with the Briny or a serene, dampened typing journey with the Silent Sakura.
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