Keygeek Briny vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Silver Pro stand out as interesting options, each catering to different user preferences. The Briny, with its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for delivering a balanced sound profile that creates a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts who appreciate both tactile feedback and acoustic quality in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is specifically engineered for gamers, featuring an ultra-light actuation force and a shortened travel distance that enhance speed and responsiveness, making it ideal for those who thrive on precision during fast-paced gaming scenarios. While the Briny offers a harmonious balance for those who enjoy a more versatile use-case, the V3 Silver Pro is designed with high-performance gaming in mind, catering to players who need every millisecond advantage. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which fundamentally affects their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Briny's top housing is crafted from nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its softer properties. This softness results in a deeper and fuller sound profile while absorbing vibrations, producing a more muted auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer plastic allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, which can make typing feel more responsive and clear. Therefore, users can expect distinct auditory experiences from the two switches, with the Briny offering a rounder sound and the V3 Silver Pro providing a more resonant output.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, produced with similar acoustic properties. This commonality means that the typing feedback from the bottom of the switches will be consistent in terms of sound profile, providing a deeper and fuller audio experience regardless of the distinct top housing materials. When typing on the Briny or the V3 Silver Pro, the bottom-out sound and feel will carry that deeper richness characteristic of nylon. This shared bottom housing material helps create a unified tactile experience between the two switches, ensuring that while the sound profiles diverge at the top end, the foundation of the typing experience remains harmonized.
Additionally, the contrasting aesthetic qualities of the two switch housings are noteworthy. While the Briny’s nylon allows for a classic, understated look, the clear polycarbonate of the V3 Silver Pro offers a more vibrant appearance, particularly appealing for setups featuring RGB lighting. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing allows light to shine through more vividly than the opaque nylon, adding an extra layer of customization and flair for enthusiasts who prioritize visual effects in their gaming or typing setups. While the bottom housings are the same, the different materials at play in the tops create a unique confluence of sound and aesthetics, showcasing how the choice of materials profoundly influences both functionality and design in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro 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, indicating a medium resistance that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who enjoy a softer keystroke. As such, the Briny switch is the heavier option, offering greater resistance during typing, which can be beneficial for users who appreciate a substantial feel. Conversely, the V3 Silver Pro's lighter forces allow for longer typing sessions with less fatigue—ideal for work or extensive gaming. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you favor a medium resistance for a more deliberate typing experience or a lighter action for ease and comfort over extended periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences. The Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference means that if you favor a more responsive key press, the V3 Silver Pro may be more appealing due to its reduced travel distance, which allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes for a more tactile experience, the Briny's longer travel distance may be the better choice. Thus, users can expect a more abrupt response with the V3 Silver Pro, while the Keygeek Briny offers a more substantial feel with each key press.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 linear switch is known for its balanced sound profile, attributed to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which helps to create a neutral auditory experience. This makes it suitable for both gaming and typing without being overly distracting. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is designed with gamers in mind and produces a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp with each keystroke. This more pronounced auditory feedback can enhance the gaming experience, but may not appeal to those who prefer a more subdued sound.
In terms of feel, the Briny has not been specifically characterized within the provided information. However, the Akko V3 Silver Pro boasts several desirable tactile qualities. These switches feature a light actuation force that makes them easy to press, translating to an effortless and comfortable typing experience. They are described as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, suggesting a smooth, low-resistance keypress that minimizes finger fatigue, making them ideal for both extensive typing sessions and fast-paced gaming.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound profile that can cater to various environments, it lacks the specific tactile descriptions that the Akko V3 Silver Pro provides. The latter's high-pitched auditory feedback, combined with its remarkably light and smooth tactile qualities, positions it as an excellent choice for gamers seeking an engaging experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, but both can deliver enjoyable performance tailored to different use cases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a medium actuation force and are looking for a balanced sound profile, the Briny is an excellent option. It’s suitable for general typing, offering a smooth feel that many find appealing for both casual and productive use. On the other hand, if you are a gamer or someone who values a quick and responsive typing experience, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for precision and speed with its light actuation force and shorter travel distance. This switch’s feathery and creamy feel allows for minimal effort during keystrokes, enhancing comfort during long sessions. Additionally, the pleasing bassy sound of the V3 Silver Pro can make gaming and typing an enjoyable experience. Therefore, consider your primary use—whether you are gaming or typing extensively—and the feel and sound you prefer to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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