Keygeek Briny vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Sunset Gleam each present unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. The Briny, featuring a UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is renowned for its balanced sound profile, making it a great choice for users seeking a smooth and quieter typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, introduces a distinctive blend of materials that offers a subtle top-out sensation accompanied by a satisfying clack, thanks in part to the excellent factory lube for which HMX is celebrated. While the Briny is ideal for those prioritizing an understated auditory experience, the Sunset Gleam appeals to typists who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the HMX Sunset Gleam utilize different materials for their top housings, which leads to distinctive auditory experiences when typing. The Briny features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's relatively softer nature, which helps absorb sound, resulting in a more muffled acoustics compared to harder plastics. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the resonance and clarity of each keystroke, was it is aesthetically translucent, which is beneficial for showcasing RGB lighting effects.
Interestingly, the bottom housing for both switches is made from nylon. This choice of material results in a unified acoustic experience in terms of the typing feel, as nylon is known for delivering a consistent deeper and fuller sound. The similar bottom housing material in both switches means that, regardless of the differences in the top housing, the underlying sound profile remains akin, bringing a shared characteristic to how they feel and sound when bottomed out. This parity in the bottom housing emphasizes the tactile experience, providing a familiar sensation as users type across both keyboards.
Ultimately, while the Briny and Sunset Gleam differ in the material used for their top housings – nylon versus polycarbonate – they converge in their bottom housing with nylon. This results in a comforting depth to the auditory experience when the keys are fully depressed, ensuring that typists can appreciate a consistent and rich sound profile. The combination of these materials ensures that even with contrasting top housings, the overall typing experience remains cohesive in its depth and fullness due to the properties of the nylon bottom. As such, users can expect nuanced auditory characteristics when pressing the keys, influenced by both the top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge, making them suitable for varying user preferences. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-force switch. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, positioning it as more suited for users who prefer a gentler touch. The lighter Sunset Gleam allows for prolonged typing sessions with less finger fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming. Meanwhile, the heavier Briny provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer resistance while typing. Thus, users seeking a more responsive and tactile experience may gravitate towards the Briny, while those desiring ease and comfort might choose the Sunset Gleam.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Briny the longer option by a margin of 0.1 mm. In practical terms, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance, catering to those who appreciate quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. However, the Briny's greater depth may offer a more substantial feel for users who favor a more traditional typing experience. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam, being the shorter switch, may deliver a more immediate tactile response, but some users might find its abruptness less satisfying. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your 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 HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 its balanced acoustic output, thanks to the UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This setup typically results in a sound that is neither overly muted nor excessively loud, allowing for a clean and straightforward typing experience without any harshness. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, dubbed the Duck Duck switch, provides a touch of distinctiveness with its subtly pleasing top-out and satisfying clack, attributed to its thoughtfully blended materials. While both switches are designed to deliver a specific auditory experience, the distinct characteristics of each can yield different responses depending on the keyboard and keycap selection.
When it comes to feel, the Briny is known for its smooth linear action, providing a consistent keystroke without the tactile interruptions found in other switch types. This smoothness, combined with the balanced sound, makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a fluid and uninterrupted typing experience. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam offers a similarly smooth linear feel but is noted for its superior factory lube, enhancing the overall smoothness and providing an additional layer of satisfaction during use. While both switches promise a linear feel, the quality of lubrication and the unique material blend in the Sunset Gleam may elevate the tactile experience slightly compared to the Briny.
In summary, while both the Keygeek Briny and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience, their sound dynamics and unique qualities set them apart. The Briny provides a balanced sound profile with a focus on sleekness, whereas the Sunset Gleam introduces a more textured auditory experience alongside enhanced lubrication for smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, both are excellent choices for enthusiasts seeking different nuances in linear switches, and your choice will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a medium bottom out force, the Briny may be the switch for you, delivering a balanced sound profile alongside a feel that is designed for stability and predictability. This makes it an excellent choice for traditional typing tasks or for those who prioritize a responsive yet controlled experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom out force of only 48 grams, the Sunset Gleam may be more your speed. This switch not only offers a satisfying sound with its subtle top-out and gratifying clack but also features factory lube that enhances its smoothness, making it ideal for users who enjoy rapid keystrokes and a delightful tactile quality. In essence, choose the Briny for a more robust typing experience, and opt for the Sunset Gleam if you prefer a light, buttery-smooth action. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you seek a balanced, controlled typing force or a lighter touch with a dynamic auditory feedback.
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