Keygeek Briny vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Splash Brothers both present compelling options for users seeking linear switches, yet they offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Keygeek Briny is renowned for its balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which provides a harmonious blend of auditory feedback and tactile responsiveness, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a well-rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers, modeled after the dynamic duo Steph and Klay, stand out with their 'speed' characteristics—featuring a shorter activation point and a long pole stem that enhances typing feel while delivering a creamy sound signature. These switches cater to users looking for a snappier, more responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Splash Brothers, it is evident that the two switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, while sharing a similar composition for their bottom housings. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties. This material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more rounded tonal quality. Conversely, the Splash Brothers employ a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a crisper and sharper sound profile. This stems from polycarbonate's stiffer composition, allowing for a clearer resonance. Despite these differences, both switches can produce satisfying auditory feedback, albeit with contrasting sound characteristics—one being warmer and more subdued, while the other is bright and piercing.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a fundamental similarity between the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Splash Brothers: both utilize nylon. This choice in material ensures a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing, primarily through the absorption qualities that nylon provides. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches allows them to share a similar tactile sensation and bottom-out sound. When pressed, users can expect a more muted acoustic response, resulting from this shared material. Therefore, while the top housing of each switch greatly influences the juxtaposition of sound profiles, both models maintain a cohesive foundation through their identical bottom housing material.
While the differing top housing materials between the Briny and Splash Brothers create distinct audio experiences, the shared nylon bottom housing helps unify the feel of each switch. The Briny's soft nylon top contributes to a dampened acoustic environment, while the Splash Brothers' clearer polycarbonate top presents a more resonant sound. However, when it comes to bottoming out, both switches will utilize the nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities to deliver a consistent tactile feedback experience. This split between the softer nylon bottom providing warmth and the contrasting top materials enhancing or altering the acoustic profile illustrates how one can achieve varied results through thoughtful material selection, allowing both switches to cater to different user preferences without sacrificing overall feel.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Briny boasts an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range, which appeals to users who prefer a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers has a bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a lighter feel, but lacks a specified actuation force, making it difficult to make a direct comparison in that regard. Given this information, the Briny is the heavier switch, ideal for those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Splash Brothers offers a lighter touch, suitable for prolonged use, particularly for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Hence, individuals looking for similar typing experiences will find the actuation force and bottom out force of each switch cater to different preferences, with the Briny targeting those who enjoy a bit more resistance and the Splash Brothers focusing on ease and comfort.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that pressing down on the Briny will offer a fuller depth experience compared to the Splash Brothers, which may feel a bit more abrupt for those who prefer a more tactile feedback. Gamers seeking quicker response times may lean towards the Splash Brothers due to its shorter travel distance, while others who enjoy a more substantial keystroke might favor the Briny for its greater depth. Thus, if you value responsiveness in your key presses, the Splash Brothers would be the better choice, whereas for a deeper feel, the Briny is recommended.
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 Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
The sound profile of the Keygeek Briny linear switch is characterized by a balanced sound that is typically inherent to its composition, which includes a UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing. This combination allows for a sound that is not overly sharp or muted, making it pleasant for various settings, whether at home or in an office. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch boasts a creamy sound signature that, while still relatively neutral, offers a unique auditory experience that adds a layer of engagement during typing. Although both switches produce sounds that can be appreciated in different environments, the Briny's balanced nature contrasts with the more inviting and smooth audio quality of the Splash Brothers.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch lacks specific descriptors, making it difficult to provide a comprehensive assessment. However, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are described as having mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished qualities. The mild nature of the Splash Brothers allows for an approachable typing experience, while the snappy and bouncy characteristics impart a lively feedback that can enhance responsiveness. Additionally, the polished finish suggests a smoothness that reduces friction and allows for a seamless typing experience. Together, these traits make the Splash Brothers a versatile choice for a wide range of typists, while the Briny's feel remains less clearly defined.
In summary, both the Keygeek Briny and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities. The Briny is noted for its balanced sound profile, which may appeal to those seeking a moderate auditory experience, while the Splash Brothers provide a creamy sound with a lively feel through their various characteristics. Although the feel of the Briny is not explicitly described, the responsive and polished nature of the Splash Brothers makes it easy to assume you'll find pleasure in either switch if the ambiance and feedback match your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a balanced sound profile and a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny might be the right choice for you. Its construction with a UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing ensures a consistent sound that appeals to those who favor a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 48 grams, the Splash Brothers could be your go-to switch. With its snappy, bouncy feel and shorter activation point, it's engineered for speed, making it particularly appealing for fast-paced gaming or typing scenarios. Additionally, the creamy sound signature of the Splash Brothers offers a mild auditory experience that suits a variety of settings, whether at home or in the office. Ultimately, your decision should rest on whether you lean more towards a balanced typing experience with a classic feel or a responsive, speedy action with a lighter resistance.
Mentioned in this article
