Keygeek Briny vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two standout linear options are the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Strawberry. The Briny features a UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, offering a balanced sound profile that appeals to users who prioritize a harmonious auditory experience during their typing sessions. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry captivates with its visually appealing pink and clear housings, along with a reputation for smooth actuation and a comfortable feel, making it a favorite for those who seek a frictionless and polished typing experience. While both switches promise reliable performance and a linear actuation feel, they cater to slightly different preferences in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Strawberry switches, a notable distinction arises between the two. The Briny utilizes nylon in both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to producing a deeper, fuller sound profile during typing. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials like polycarbonate, thereby yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics that enhance clarity and crispness in the sound produced when typing. Aesthetically, the Strawberry’s use of clear polycarbonate highlights its compatibility with RGB lighting, adding visual appeal alongside its sound quality.
Both switches, while differing in material composition, yield distinct auditory outcomes due to the inherent properties of the plastics used. The nylon of the Briny emphasizes a muted and rich sound, making it well-suited for users who prefer a softer, less pronounced keypress experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry's polycarbonate construction generates a sound that is defined by its resonance and clarity, appealing to typists who appreciate a more invigorating keypress. The contrast in sound profiles illustrates how the choice of material can significantly influence the user experience, suggesting that the Briny may be more suited to those seeking a deeper typing experience, while the Strawberry caterers to those drawn to a bright and lively typing feedback.
In scenarios where different materials create varying acoustic properties, the impact of each housing material can be discerned based on their specific roles in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Briny’s nylon housings will dominate in producing that lush sound when a key is bottomed out, while the softer top housing absorbs some sound when releasing a key. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry's dual polycarbonate housings will enhance the clarity of both the bottoming and releasing sounds, resulting in a more pronounced auditory feedback at every stage of key movement. Understanding these nuances allows users to select their desired switch based not only on sound but also on the tactile feelings and experiences they seek from their keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Strawberry's lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making the Strawberry more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions with reduced fatigue. However, the Briny and Strawberry have similar bottom out forces, with 60 grams for the Briny and 62 grams for the Strawberry, indicating that both switches provide a comparable feel when fully pressed down. Consequently, while the Briny offers a more substantial push at the actuation stage, the slightly heavier bottom out force on the Strawberry suggests it still delivers a solid typing experience overall. Therefore, if one is looking for a lighter switch, the KTT Strawberry is the better choice, while those seeking a firmer typing feedback may prefer the Briny.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we find that the Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Strawberry measures at 4 mm. This means that the Briny provides a shorter travel distance than the Strawberry, making it potentially more responsive for users who favor quicker key presses, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Strawberry may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel, providing a greater sense of depth. Depending on individual preferences for response time versus key feel, users will find different advantages in each switch type. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prioritizes the agility of the shorter Briny or the satisfying depth of the longer Strawberry.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is well-regarded for its balanced sound profile, which can make it suitable for a variety of typing environments. While specific descriptors for the Briny's sound are not available, its construction with a UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing suggests it will deliver a pleasant auditory experience. The KTT Strawberry, however, is characterized by its low-pitched tone, which tends to produce a more mellow and bass-heavy sound. This quality is especially appealing for those who prefer a softer auditory feedback when typing. It's important to remember that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used alongside these switches.
In terms of feel, the KTT Strawberry switch stands out with descriptors like frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. This collection of qualities indicates an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable typing experience, making it easier to navigate through long typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Keygeek Briny switch does not have specific characteristics provided, which makes it harder to compare directly. Nonetheless, it's reasonable to assume that it offers a smooth feel as well since linear switches typically emphasize fluid key travel without tactile feedback.
In summary, while both the Keygeek Briny and KTT Strawberry switches have their merits, they offer different auditory profiles and tactile experiences. The Briny provides a balanced sound profile that is versatile for numerous setups, but lacks specific tactile descriptors to evaluate its feel accurately. Meanwhile, the Strawberry's low-pitched sound, coupled with its highly refined feel, can elevate the typing experience significantly. If you prioritize a smooth and pleasant typing experience, the KTT Strawberry may be the better choice, while the Briny remains a solid option for balanced sound in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Keygeek Briny and KTT Strawberry linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a balanced sound profile and a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny may be your ideal choice, especially if you're looking for a switch that feels stable and reliable. Its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing help create a well-rounded typing experience. However, if you crave an exceptionally smooth, frictionless feel with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 62 grams, then the KTT Strawberry is likely the better option for you. Its silky, buttery, and polished characteristics contribute to a more fluid keystroke experience, making long typing sessions more enjoyable. In essence, if aesthetics and a smoother, more effortless actuation are your priorities, opt for the KTT Strawberry. But if you prefer a more general switch with balanced sound and feel, go for the Briny. Your ultimate choice will cater to what you value most in your keyboard experience.
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