Keygeek Briny vs. HMX Swift

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Swift can significantly impact your typing experience. The Briny, renowned for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, offers a balanced sound profile that appeals to users seeking an understated yet satisfying keystroke. This linear switch is often favored by those who prioritize consistent actuation without tactile feedback, making it an excellent option for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Swift stands out with its full nylon housings, producing a deeper sound profile that is complemented by a silky smoothness and a delicate 42g actuation force. The Swift's characteristics, often described as clacky and creamy, cater to users who enjoy a more pronounced audio response with each keystroke. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences—while the Briny offers a more neutral sound experience, the Swift embraces a richer auditory profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Keygeek Briny Linear

HMX Swift Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Keygeek Briny and HMX Swift both utilize nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom portions of their switches. This choice is significant, as nylon is renowned for its unique ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Its softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller, rounder auditory experience when typing. This characteristic is crucial for users who prefer a more muted sound while typing, enhancing the overall tactile and acoustic feedback of their keyboards. Because both the Briny and Swift employ the same nylon composition in their housings, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, establishing a consistent typing experience across both models.

At a closer glance, the materials of both the Briny and the Swift reflect a commitment to sound quality and user satisfaction. The consistency of using nylon for both top and bottom housings means that both switches will produce comparable sound profiles and acoustics. While the nylon construction contributes to a more lush audio output, the differentiation in user experience might stem from other factors such as switch design, actuation force, or aesthetics. However, when it comes to the fundamental quality of the housing material, there’s considerable synergy between both keyboards. Therefore, a user transitioning from one to the other won't necessarily notice a stark difference in sound, due to the identical nylon composition being utilized.

In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny and HMX Swift feature the same nylon materials in their switch housings, the nuances in sound and feel will largely depend on other design elements. Since both keyboards provide a similar acoustic experience characterized by rich, muted tones, the decision between them may come down to personal preference regarding factors beyond the housing material itself. Whether one chooses the Briny or the Swift, the shared nylon housing guarantees a comparable typing experience, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of this classic switch material without sacrificing the quality of their auditory feedback.

Weight

The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force that cater to different user preferences. The Briny features a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a heavier option. In contrast, the Swift has a lighter feel, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference in force means that users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may gravitate towards the Swift, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel would likely choose the Briny. In terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the Briny is heavier overall, resulting in a firmer and more tactile experience, while the Swift delivers a softer and more gentle response.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is clear that they differ, with the Briny measuring 3.6 mm and the Swift at 3.9 mm. This means the Briny has a shorter travel distance, offering a more responsive feel that can be beneficial for gamers who prioritize quick reactions. Conversely, the Swift's longer travel distance provides a deeper keystroke, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. If you lean towards a more pronounced depth, the Swift would be the better choice, while those who favor faster response times might opt for the Briny. Thus, your preference between these switches will largely depend on your prioritization of responsiveness versus depth in keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced profile thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, creating a mellow yet clear auditory experience. This contrasts with the HMX Swift linear switch, which is known for its deeper sound profile, largely attributed to its full nylon housings. While the Briny gives a more neutral sound character, the Swift offers a unique warmth, characterized by its clacky, crisp, and percussive quality. Both switches can evoke distinct auditory experiences depending on the keyboard setup, such as the choice of case materials and keycap designs, but the differences highlight a preference for either a mellow or deeper tonal quality.

When evaluating the feel, the Briny lacks specificity in this description, leaving some ambiguity. On the other hand, the Swift linear switch stands out for its light actuation force of 42g, making it exceptionally easy to press. The overall feedback sensation is characterized as feathery and bouncy, which ensures minimal resistance and reduces finger fatigue during prolonged use. The combination of a gentle touch and a smooth actuation leads to a comfortable and responsive typing experience with the Swift, making it versatile for various tasks such as gaming or typing.

Overall, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound profile, the HMX Swift switch distinguishes itself with a deeper tonal quality and an effortless typing feel that appeals to those preferring lighter activation forces. With the Briny's vague details on feel, users may find it aligns similarly to the Swifts in terms of ease if they prioritize minimal resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences in auditory and tactile characteristics, but both can serve satisfyingly when matched with the right keyboard settings.

Conclusion

To sum up, both the Keygeek Briny and HMX Swift linear switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and enjoy a well-balanced sound profile, the Briny would be the switch for you, especially if you value a more traditional linear feel without excessive bottom-out noise. It’s a solid choice for those who are looking for consistency in their typing experience, making it suitable for both productivity and gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a reduced actuation force of 50 grams, and you enjoy a deeper, more satisfying sound profile, the Swift is ideal. Its feathery, easy-to-press operation can significantly enhance your comfort, especially during long typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue while providing a bouncy feel. In essence, choose the Briny for a more balanced and slightly heavier typing experience, and opt for the Swift when you want lightness and smoothness for effortless typing and gaming.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

HMX Swift Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more