Keygeek Briny vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Briny, constructed with a UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver stands out with its all-POM build, featuring a notably short travel distance that allows for lightning-fast actuation; this switch is characterized by its thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness, giving it a feather-light touch preferred by those who enjoy rapid keystrokes. While the Briny may appeal to users who appreciate a harmonious sound and stability in feel, the Smoothie Silver is ideal for gamers or typists seeking an incredibly responsive and soft touch. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches reveal interesting contrasts and similarities that significantly affect their sound profiles and typing experience. The Briny utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic switch housing material known for its softer, more absorbent qualities. This choice delivers a deeper, rounder sound that many typists appreciate for its fullness. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver switches feature POM (polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings. POM is known for producing a distinct acoustic experience that is also characterized by a deeper yet notably muted sound. While both switches create similar overall sound profiles, the key difference lies in the materials used—nylon versus POM—which may inherently influence the texture and resonance of the sounds.
When dissecting the sound profiles further, it becomes evident that the nylon housings of the Briny facilitate a very specific auditory experience defined by a certain richness. The material's softer texture tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it, creating a more rounded and subdued sound profile that is often described as deeper. Conversely, the POM material used in the Smoothie Silver is designed to emit a pleasing sound character that, while also deep, features a unique crispness that nylon does not provide. This results in a sound that remains distinct from that of the Briny, despite both being on the "deeper side" of the spectrum. Hence, users may find the auditory feedback from each switch to cater to different preferences in terms of both sound and feel.
Another critical consideration is how the housing materials impact the switch's tactile feedback and the overall typing experience. The Briny's nylon housing, known for its softer texture, influences the feel during a key press and contributes to how the sound interacts at bottom-out, mainly due to the bottom housing's material. On the other hand, while the Smoothie Silver’s POM housing also delivers a reduced sound profile, its rigidity could provide a slightly different tactile experience, potentially making it feel crisper or sharper upon actuation. Ultimately, even with different materials, both the Keygeek Briny and Gateron Smoothie Silver can provide satisfying typing experiences, each catering to various user preferences based on the subtle differences in sound and feel from their distinctive housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Briny switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Smoothie Silver is lighter, requiring only 45 grams to actuate. This means that the Smoothie Silver may be better suited for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Briny has a measurable force of 60 grams, indicating the resistance felt when pressing the key all the way down. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is not specified, leaving us to wonder about the feel at the end of its travel. Overall, those seeking a more tactile and substantial typing experience might lean towards the heavier Briny, while lighter users would benefit from the Smoothie Silver if they share similar actuation characteristics despite the unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we find that the Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Smoothie Silver comes in at a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This means that for those who prefer a more responsive experience, the Smoothie Silver is the better option, as it allows for quicker actuation—ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Keygeek Briny, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing a key, providing a sense of depth that's often appreciated by typists. Therefore, if your preference leans towards quicker actuation, the Gateron Smoothie Silver would be the better choice, whereas the Keygeek Briny offers a more deliberate keypress experience.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 has a balanced sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. While the specifics of its auditory characteristics aren't detailed, it’s typical for linear switches to produce a sound that is less pronounced than clicky or tactile types, often resulting in a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver has a notably thocky sound, characterized by a deep, rich tone that offers a satisfying auditory feedback when pressed. This switch is also described as low-pitched, providing a mellow sound that can enhance the typing experience. Its subdued nature means it won’t be overly disruptive in quiet environments, giving users a solid experience regardless of their setting.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Briny switch’s precise tactile feedback is unspecified, leaving some ambiguity about its typing experience. However, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is widely recognized for its buttery and creamy feel, which ensures a smooth and fluid keystroke. This effortless typing sensation is likely a result of the switch's design and materials, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The silky texture of the Smoothie Silver contributes greatly to a satisfying typing experience that may appeal to users looking for a lighter touch in their keystrokes.
In summary, while the Keygeek Briny offers a balanced yet undefined auditory profile and an unspecified feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out with its thocky sound and exceptionally smooth typing experience. Users looking for a satisfying auditory feedback with a deep, rich tone and a buttery feel may find the Smoothie Silver more aligned with their preferences. Both switches, while unique in their characteristics, highlight the diversity and personalization available within the realm of mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, personal preference will guide newcomers in choosing the switch that best fits their typing style and auditory pleasure.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, your preferences and typing style will significantly influence your decision. If you prefer a medium actuation force and appreciate a balanced sound profile, the Briny might be your ideal choice. Its UPE stem and pure PA66 housing create a typing experience that strikes a good balance between feel and sound, making it a solid option for general typing and gaming alike. However, if you seek a switch that offers lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver is the way to go. Its all-POM composition not only makes it incredible smooth but also gives it a thocky sound with a low-pitched, subdued tone that many find satisfying. Ultimately, if you enjoy a creamy, buttery typing sensation and want a switch that allows for rapid keystrokes, the Smoothie Silver will likely enhance your typing experience. Consider your typing habits and personal preferences closely, and you'll be sure to pick the switch that suits you best.
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