Keygeek Briny vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two popular options that cater to different tastes are the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Taro. The Briny, recognized for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile and smooth linear feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a quiet typing experience tailored for fast typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro offers a cozy tactile feel, characterized by its snappy, medium-level tactility and acute, crisp clacks—perfect for typists who enjoy a more engaging typing experience with a satisfying tactile feedback. While both switches provide distinct advantages, they serve different typing styles and preferences. The Briny appeals to users seeking a smooth and uninterrupted flow, whereas the Taro caters to those who appreciate tactile differentiations. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Taro utilize different materials for their top housings, reflecting distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer nature. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that dampens sharp tones. In contrast, the Taro incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which, being stiffer, enhances the sharpness and resonance of the sound produced. This differentiation in the top materials aligns with the switches' respective aesthetic functionalities as well; the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Taro makes it particularly suitable for RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination effects that nylon simply cannot achieve.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both the Briny and Taro utilize nylon for this component. This makes the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch similar in nature, as nylon's softer characteristics lead to a deeper and more muted tactile response regardless of the differences in the top housings. Therefore, while the overall auditory experience will diverge when comparing the two switches, the comparable nature of their nylon bottom housings ensures that users will enjoy a consistent feel as they engage with either switch. This shared bottom housing material allows users to experience the signature deep sound profile typical of nylon.
In summary, the primary contrast between the Keygeek Briny and the Jwick Taro lies in their top housing materials, with the former using nylon and the latter utilizing polycarbonate. However, both switches converge in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing, which creates a cohesive tactile experience that saturates both models with a deeper sound profile when bottoms are engaged. The overall sound experience differs due to the top housing materials—one being more muted and rounded while the other is sharper and crisper—but the consistent bottom housing ties them together through similar acoustic characteristics when the keys are actuated.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch suitable for users who favor a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Taro has no specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This indicates that while the Taro might require more pressure to press fully down, the lack of a defined actuation force leaves some uncertainty regarding its feel during use. Overall, the Briny is the lighter option due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces, which can be advantageous for users seeking to minimize fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Taro's heavier bottom out offers a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a firmer response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the Briny offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Taro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Taro, with its extra 0.1 mm, may provide a more satisfying, deeper feel for users who appreciate a sturdier key press. On the other hand, the Briny's shorter travel distance could be more appealing to gamers or those seeking quicker response times. The difference in travel distances, though minimal, suggests that preferences will vary based on individual needs for responsiveness or comfort. In summary, the Briny is the shorter option at 3.6 mm, while the Taro's 3.7 mm makes it the longer of the two switches.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for its balanced sound profile, attributed to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it relatively neutral and unobtrusive. This allows for a subtle auditory experience that suits both quiet environments and louder settings. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch produces acute and crisp clacks, adding a more pronounced auditory feedback that can be both satisfying and invigorating for typists who appreciate auditory cues. While the Briny is designed for a more subdued sound, the Taro’s crispness provides a sharp contrast that can energize the typing experience. Ultimately, while the Briny leans towards a neutral sound that is versatile for any situation, the Taro offers a more defined auditory character, enhancing the tactile feedback with its immediate response.
Moving on to the feel, the Briny's linear design typically provides a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, allowing for fluid typing without a tactile bump. This design is favored by those who prefer a seamless action while typing, catering well to gamers and fast typists who value speed. On the other hand, the Taro is characterized by a buttery smooth yet stepped tactile feedback, which means that while it has a certain flow to the keystroke, users will also notice a mild bump at the actuation point. This brings an element of satisfaction to the typing experience, as the tactile feedback invites more deliberate typing, making it especially appealing to those who type for long periods or engage in writing tasks.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Briny and Jwick Taro switches offer distinctly different auditory and tactile experiences. The Briny, with its balanced sound and smooth feel, is ideal for those who prefer a subtle and seamless typing experience, while the Taro provides a more dynamic and tactile feel, suitable for typists who enjoy interaction with their keys through pronounced feedback. Choosing between the two largely comes down to personal preference in sound and feel; whether seeking a quiet environment or a more engaging auditory experience, both switches can cater to a range of users with differing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a versatile, balanced typing experience and appreciate a smooth keystroke with a more subdued sound profile, the Briny might be your ideal choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams allows for comfortable typing over extended periods, making it suitable for both casual and extended work sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback experience that enhances your typing with a snappier response and a gratifying sound, the Taro would be the better option. With its medium-heavy 67 grams bottom-out force and unique stepped tactile sensation, it provides a satisfying blend of comfort and audible feedback that many find enjoyable, especially for typists who relish feeling the keystrokes. Essentially, if you prioritize smoothness and quiet operation, opt for the Briny; but if you crave tactile engagement and crisp sounds, go for the Taro.
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