Keygeek Briny vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile can significantly impact your typing experience. The Keygeek Briny, a linear switch, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4, a silent tactile switch, offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump coupled with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, providing a satisfying feedback for typists who enjoy a more engaged experience. The U4's design also ensures a whisper-quiet sound profile, appealing to users in shared environments. While the Briny is ideal for rapid typing and gaming due to its smoothness, the U4 is perfect for those who value tactile feedback without the noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Briny Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Gazzew U4 switches, it becomes evident that both utilize soft plastic compositions, albeit with different formulations. The Briny features a classic nylon housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb more sound, contributing to a duller and rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 employs a proprietary plastic blend, often referred to as "boba plastic." This blend also prioritizes softness, resulting in a similarly rich and deep sound profile. The similarities in the material properties underline how both switches can achieve comparable auditory results, despite their distinctive housing names.

The bottom housings of both switches reflect a similar trend: the Briny showcases nylon, while the U4 features the same proprietary Gazzew blend used for its top housing. The crucial distinction between these materials lies in their unique compositions; however, they both contribute to a significant sound absorption quality. When a user presses down on either switch, the softness of the bottom housing plays a vital role in the overall feel and bottom-out sound. The nylon in the Briny’s bottom housing exhibits classic properties that facilitate a rounded bottom-out experience, while the U4’s boba plastic likewise aims to achieve a plush and cushioned feel when bottoming out. Here again, despite different materials, the fundamental experiences can lead to similar user satisfaction.

Importantly, the interplay between top and bottom housings also affects the acoustic and tactile experience when using these switches. The Keygeek Briny's nylon top housing has a pronounced impact during the release of a key, enhancing the muted sound profile in comparison to that of a rigid plastic housing. In parallel, the Gazzew U4’s boba plastic top housing similarly influences the sound produced upon key release, reinforcing the notion that both switches are capable of delivering a satisfying auditory experience as a result of their material choices. Ultimately, while the two switches utilize different specific materials, the shared emphasis on softness leads them to produce strikingly similar sound characteristics, making them appealing choices for enthusiasts seeking a softer typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that may influence user preference. The Briny switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the U4 requires a slightly lighter force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the U4 is generally easier to press, making it more suitable for users who prioritize a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out forces are very similar: the Briny has a bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the U4's 62 grams. This slight discrepancy means that both switches provide a comparable bottoming out experience, despite the U4 being lighter in actuation force. As a result, if you're looking for a softer typing feel, the Gazzew U4 would be the better choice, while the Briny might appeal to those who prefer a slightly firmer actuation without being overly heavy.

Travel distance

Both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in a similar keypress experience. Since both switches travel the same distance from the top to the bottom, users can expect comparable sensations when pressing down on the keys. This equality in travel distance means that individuals switching between these two switches will likely find little difference in the depth and feel of each keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch features a balanced sound profile that is neither too loud nor overly muted, providing a smooth auditory experience when typing. The sound produced is likely to be more consistent and linear, with a focus on a clean keystroke that doesn't have the pronounced noise associated with tactile or clicky switches. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switches are designed to be notably quiet, with a muted sound profile that minimizes the typical clack of mechanical keyboards. This results in a keyboard that is perfect for environments where noise can be an issue, while still delivering a low-pitched tone that contributes to a more enjoyable typing experience.

Regarding feel, the Briny's characteristics are unknown, making it difficult to compare its tactile feedback directly. However, the Gazzew U4 offers a sharp tactile bump that provides significant feedback with each keystroke, establishing a pronounced sensation that typists often find satisfying. This strong tactile response, combined with a cushioned bottom-out feel, creates a plush typing experience that many users appreciate for both spacing and responsiveness. The tactile feedback makes it easier for typists to know when a key has been activated without needing to bottom out the switch, promoting better typing efficiency.

In summary, the Keygeek Briny offers a balanced sound profile that may suit those who prefer a more traditional linear switch experience. The Gazzew U4 tactile switch, while whisper quiet, delivers a distinct and pleasurable tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience with its sharp bump. For newcomers, both switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences, with the Briny appealing to linear enthusiasts and the U4 catering to those who enjoy tactile responses without excessive noise. Depending on a user’s preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit in different styles.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth and consistent keystroke experience, where sound is balanced and not overly pronounced, the Briny would be an excellent choice. With its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, it provides a satisfying yet gentle tactile feedback, ideal for typing or gaming sessions that require quick key presses without the distraction of a loud noise profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct tactile sensation with each keystroke, the U4 stands out with its sharp tactile bump and plush bottom-out feel, making it perfect for users who relish clarity in their typing experience. Additionally, the muted, low-pitched sound of the U4 ensures that your typing remains quietly efficient—an ideal choice for office environments or shared spaces. In short, choose the Briny for a smooth, quieter typing experience, and opt for the U4 if you seek pronounced tactile feedback coupled with a subtle sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more