Keygeek Briny vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Vintage Citrus both stand out, albeit for different reasons. The Briny is renowned for its well-balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it a great choice for users who appreciate a mellow auditory experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is expertly designed for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm that allows for rapid-fire inputs, paired with a bright, clacky sound profile that adds an engaging auditory feedback to each keystroke. While the Briny may appeal to those looking for balance and refinement, the Vintage Citrus aims to satisfy the needs of competitive gamers seeking speed and responsiveness. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Vintage Citrus feature nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings, leading to remarkably similar sound profiles and tactile experiences. This shared choice of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its softer qualities, allows both switches to deliver a deeper and fuller sound when typing. As nylon is adept at absorbing sound due to its inherent softer plastic nature, users can expect a distinct, rounded auditory experience from both switches. The dampened sound profile graces typists with a pleasing auditory feedback that is less harsh than switches composed of harder plastics.
Beyond the sound quality, the impact of the nylon material extends to the feel of each switch during use. Since both the Briny and Vintage Citrus utilize nylon for both top and bottom housings, the underlying characteristics of the switches will blend seamlessly, allowing for a consistent typing experience across both models. The bottom housing, which contributes chiefly to the bottom-out sound, feels equally satisfying in both switches, making every keystroke feel controlled and robust. Similarly, the top housing influences the sound during the release of the key, ensuring that both models share a cohesive acoustic signature, resulting in a satisfying and refined typing experience no matter which switch is used.
Ultimately, the similarities in housing materials between the Keygeek Briny and HMX Vintage Citrus create an environment where typists can expect consistent performance and sound. With both switches producing similar, deeper tones and pleasant feedback, users won’t miss out on quality regardless of their choice. The uniformity in nylon housing not only ensures a delightful auditory experience but also a tactile satisfaction, making these keyboards highly functional and appealing for enthusiasts seeking acoustic richness and reliability in their typing adventures.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom-out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Vintage Citrus would be more suitable, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Briny. Conversely, those who appreciate a bit more resistance may gravitate toward the Briny due to its heavier forces, which can provide a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Briny's heavier actuation and bottom-out forces cater to users seeking tactile feedback, while the Vintage Citrus offers a more effortless typing experience for longer sessions or extensive periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Briny stands out with a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures slightly shorter at 3.0 mm. This difference highlights the Briny's longer travel distance, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial keypress experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and fast-paced users who prioritize quick response times and a more abrupt keystroke feel. Ultimately, while both switches offer distinct advantages, the Briny provides depth for those who enjoy a hearty keypress, whereas the Vintage Citrus excels in responsiveness for those who thrive on speed.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile, which means it strikes a good harmony between softness and resonance. This makes it well-suited for environments where noise levels are a concern or where versatility is desired. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch delivers an exceptionally bright and clacky sound profile, tailored for gamers who may appreciate an audible feedback during rapid key presses. Users looking for a more pronounced and lively sound will likely gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus, but it’s important to remember that the acoustics of both switches can change significantly depending on the keyboard case and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Briny linear switch features a smooth action that's ideal for users looking for a consistent typing experience without any bumps or tactile feedback. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a straightforward keystroke. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is specially designed for speed, boasting an exceptionally low actuation force at just 1mm. This fast actuation coupled with a smooth push feel makes it particularly appealing to gamers seeking quick response times during gameplay, thereby enhancing their overall performance.
In summary, both the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches cater to different preferences, especially regarding sound and feel. The Briny offers a balanced and versatile auditory experience, whereas the Vintage Citrus excels in bright sound and rapid actuation designed for gamers. Choosing between them will largely hinge on whether you prioritize a quieter, more subdued sound and consistent feel or a sharper, more responsive typing experience with a vivid auditory feedback. Each switch has its own strengths that cater to different user needs, making it essential to find a balance that aligns with your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you value a balanced sound profile and a moderately weighted actuation (with a bottom-out force of 60 grams), the Briny is a great choice, particularly for typing or general use, where a solid tactile feedback is appreciated without being overly heavy. Its UPE stem and PA66 housing deliver a satisfying feel that can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you’re primarily gaming and need a switch that excels in rapid inputs, the Vintage Citrus should be your go-to. With its exceptionally low actuation force and a quick 1mm actuation distance, complemented by a bright and clacky sound profile, this switch is tailored for speed, allowing you to execute swift commands with minimal effort. In summary, if your focus is on a reliable, nuanced typing experience, the Briny is ideal, whereas for intense gaming scenarios requiring quick reflexes, the Vintage Citrus is unmatched.
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