Keygeek Briny vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two impressive options emerge: the Keygeek Briny and the TTC Venus, both of which fall into the linear category. The Briny is characterized by its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, resulting in a balanced sound profile that many users appreciate for its clarity and consistency. This switch is well-suited for those who prefer a straightforward typing experience devoid of tactile bumps or audible clicks. On the other hand, the TTC Venus is known for its unique internal design that offers a smooth, frictionless glide, complemented by a springy "Q-texture" that evokes the delightful sensation of biting into chewy mochi. With its light actuation force and muted sound signature, the Venus caters to users seeking a fast and effortless typing experience while maintaining a subdued auditory environment. Both switches provide distinct advantages depending on one's personal preferences and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the TTC Venus both approach the desired auditory experience through different housing materials, employing nylon and POM for the top housings respectively. The Briny's nylon top housing promotes a sound profile that is fuller and deeper, which is primarily attributed to nylon's softer plastic properties. This material absorbs sound effectively, leading to a muted auditory experience that feels more rounded upon typing. In contrast, the Venus' POM top housing also yields a deeper sound profile with its unique characteristics, although it is generally recognized for creating a distinct and pleasing acoustic experience. This shows that while the two materials differ, they both have the potential to deliver a satisfying sound that enhances the typing experience.
When examining the bottom housings, a more noticeable divergence occurs between the Briny and the Venus. The Briny utilizes a nylon bottom housing, maintaining consistency with its top housing and further amplifying the deeper sound profile typical of nylon. This continuity solidifies the consistent auditory characteristics throughout the switch and contributes to a cohesive typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which introduces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer material is known for its clear resonance, which can significantly affect the perception and feel of the key press. Such differences in bottom housing materials can lead to sharply contrasting auditory experiences during typing, where the effects of the polycarbonate provide a crisper feedback than the uniformly deep characteristics of the Briny.
Ultimately, while both switches aim to create engaging tactile experiences, their respective configurations reflect how different materials interact in terms of sound and feel. The Briny, with its nylon construction for both the top and bottom, results in an inherently consistent sonic signature that emphasizes warmth and fullness. Meanwhile, the TTC Venus balances the deeper notes from its POM top with the sharper clarity from its polycarbonate bottom, offering a more varied auditory landscape. If one were to utilize switches with similar housing materials as the Briny, they might achieve comparable results in terms of sound profile, yet with the TTC Venus's unique fabrications, users are offered a distinct sound experience that plays on contrasting acoustic qualities.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Venus features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the Venus is generally easier to press down, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, especially during long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the Briny, with its heavier 50-gram actuation force, may provide users with a more substantial and pronounced feel when typing, which can be appealing for those who enjoy a firmer pushing sensation. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the TTC Venus is the better choice, whereas the Keygeek Briny offers a slightly heavier option for those who favor more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Venus extends slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This means that if you favor a more responsive feel, the Briny would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Conversely, the Venus, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and grounded typing experience for those who prefer a heartier depth. Ultimately, while both switches exhibit characteristics that cater to different preferences, the Briny is the shorter option, while the Venus is the longer one.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, the Briny is known for its balanced sound, which suggests it strikes a moderate tone that is neither overly loud nor entirely subdued. In contrast, the Venus switch offers a distinctively muted sound signature characterized by low-pitched and subdued qualities, allowing for a more understated auditory experience. The Venus also provides a thocky sound, which adds a depth to each keystroke that some users find satisfying, akin to a soft "knock." Ultimately, the Briny's balanced profile and the Venus's low-pitched muted characteristics suggest that both switches can offer enjoyable experiences, tailored to different user preferences for sound without excessive noise.
In terms of feel, the Briny excels with an undefined but presumably smooth and linear actuation typical of linear switches. The TTC Venus, however, shines with its unique tactile qualities, including a buttery smoothness that provides a fluid typing experience. The frictionless nature of the Venus enhances this sensation, offering a seamless transition between key presses, while the gummy feel presents a unique bottoming out experience that can resemble landing gently on a trampoline. This variety in tactile feedback makes the Venus more distinct in terms of user interaction compared to the more standard feel that the Briny might deliver.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny and TTC Venus switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Briny provides a balanced audio experience with a standard linear feel, making it approachable for novices, while the Venus enhances the auditory and tactile experience with its muted sound and complex textures. If you seek a more polished and refined typing experience, the Venus may be your ideal choice. However, if a reliable and neutral switch is what you prefer, the Briny won't let you down. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, both of which can significantly influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny might be the better option for you. It provides a balanced sound profile along with a thocky and more pronounced auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying "thud" when typing. This makes the Briny well-suited for an environment where you might want your keystrokes to have a little more presence, such as in gaming or when you enjoy a more tactile experience while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience that still delivers a smooth and effortless glide, the TTC Venus would be advantageous with its medium-light force of 52 grams. Its unique "Q-texture" and frictionless feel lend themselves to rapid keystrokes, perfect for someone who requires speed and agility, like a touch typist or a gamer seeking that edge. Additionally, the muted and subdued sound profile of the Venus allows for discreet typing, making it an excellent choice if you work in a shared or quiet environment. In short, assess your priorities—whether you lean towards a more pronounced auditory experience with the Briny or a smooth and subtle one with the Venus—and choose accordingly.
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