Keygeek Briny vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two contenders worthy of attention are the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, both linear switches that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Briny is renowned for its use of a UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, creating a balanced sound profile that satisfies users seeking a more neutral acoustic experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream impresses with its innovative POK materials in both the stem and bottom housing, providing a remarkably smooth and creamy feel that mirrors the dessert from which it takes its name. Its high-pitched, clacky sound signature offers a playful auditory experience, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a bit of character in their typing. While both switches share a linear categorization, they offer distinct tactile and auditory experiences. 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

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, there are notable contrasts in the materials used for their housing, which ultimately influence both their acoustic properties and tactile feedback. The Briny features a nylon top housing that is known for producing a full, rounded sound, largely attributed to nylon’s softer texture which helps absorb sound waves. This creates a deeper sound profile, offering a more subdued typing experience that is well-suited for environments where noise reduction is valued. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, claiming to deliver a high-pitched, clacky sound signature. This stark difference in sound profile exemplifies how the choice of materials can drastically affect user experience during typing.

In examining the bottom housing, the differences between these switches continue to play a significant role. The Briny utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which maintains a similar acoustic quality to the top housing, leading to a cohesive, deeper sound when key presses are bottomed out. This consistency in material helps in creating a uniform sound experience that retains the signature deep sound expected from nylon. The Vanilla Ice Cream, however, employs POK material for its bottom housing, known for its smoother action and superior durability. With a wear resistance notably greater than nylon, POK enhances the overall performance of the switch, making it exceptionally strong and resilient. This difference means that while both switches may aim to provide a clacky typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream’s unique POK bottom adds an additional layer of durability and smoothness that contrasts with the more traditional nylon of the Briny.

Ultimately, the amalgamation of top and bottom housing materials influences how the switches feel and sound during use. The Briny's consistent use of nylon allows for a synergistic relationship between the components, resulting in a typing experience that emphasizes a rich, muted sound profile. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, by virtue of its hybrid materials—KTT for the top and POK for the bottom—presents a more dynamic typing experience, excelling in clackiness and tactile response while maintaining durability. This differentiation in materials illustrates how the characteristics of each housing can split the sensory experience between the actuation and the release of a key, thus shaping individual preferences for typing feel and sound. While both switches can yield impressive results, their distinct material choices lead to varied acoustic and tactile experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a more substantial tactile feel favored by users who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for those who seek a softer touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. This difference means that users who prioritize a lighter switch for comfort would gravitate towards the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those who enjoy a stronger push would likely prefer the Briny. As such, the Briny switch is heavier overall, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a lighter option for more relaxed use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we find that the Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream the more responsive option, appealing to gamers who favor rapid actuation and quick response times. Conversely, the Briny's longer travel distance may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience and a deeper keypress feel. Ultimately, users seeking a balance between responsiveness and depth might gravitate towards the Briny, while those prioritizing speed may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for its balanced sound profile, which is subtle and not overly intrusive. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a more distinctive auditory experience characterized by a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. The Vanilla Ice Cream's sound is resonant and marbly, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that is both engaging and satisfying for typists. If you prefer a more pronounced auditory experience while typing, the Vanilla Ice Cream might be more to your liking, while those who lean towards a more subdued sound may gravitate towards the Briny.

In terms of feel, the Briny's characteristics are not fully specified, leaving it somewhat ambiguous in comparison. However, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch definitively excels in this category, offering a buttery and creamy typing experience that enhances the overall typing sensation. Users can expect a seamless keystroke feeling akin to gliding their fingers across the keys, which can significantly contribute to typing comfort and efficiency. The ergonomics of the Vanilla Ice Cream make it a pleasure to type on, thanks to its smooth and silky feedback.

In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches cater to different preferences. The Briny's balanced sound profile is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream's notable high-pitched sound and creamy feel provide a more pronounced and enjoyable auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound characteristics or the sensation of keystrokes in your typing journey. If both sound and feel are similar within specific preferences, users may find they achieve similar results regardless of their switch choice, influenced heavily by their individual keyboard setup and typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you lean towards a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and appreciate a balanced sound profile, then the Briny is likely to be your best option. Its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing contribute to a satisfying typing experience that can be great for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keypress with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, the Vanilla Ice Cream may be ideal for you. With its unique POK materials, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a remarkably smooth, creamy feel that's perfect for prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, if you're drawn to high-pitched, resonant sounds and the tactile sensation of buttery, creamy key presses, these switches can enhance your typing with an enjoyable auditory experience. Ultimately, consider what matters more to you: the balanced feel of the Briny or the smooth, sweet sensations of the Vanilla Ice Cream.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more