Keygeek Briny vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the Jerrzi Violet offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Briny, featuring an ultra-durable UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, is renowned for its smooth linear feel, which caters perfectly to fast-paced gamers who value swift key presses without tactile interruptions. Its balanced sound profile enhances this experience, making it a solid choice for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches provide a gentle tactile feedback that users often find satisfying. With their smooth actuation and poppy tactility, they deliver a delightful blend of responsiveness and comfort, suitable for those who appreciate a little feedback with each keystroke. Additionally, their neutral sound signature presents an ideal option for quiet environments. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on your personal preference for tactile sensation versus linear smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best determine the switch that will suit your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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 housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Jerrzi Violet switches offer a compelling comparison in terms of sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Briny features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. In contrast, the Violet is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and enhances clarity, producing a sharper, more resonant sound profile. Aesthetically, the clear nature of the polycarbonate lends itself beautifully to RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination effects, while the Briny’s nylon housing tends to create a more subdued appearance due to its opaqueness.
On the flip side, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in shared characteristics that can influence the overall typing experience. This commonality means that users of both switches will enjoy a consistent, smooth feel and a deeper bottom-out sound when pressing the keys. The nylon's inherent properties lead to a dampening effect that contributes to a softer auditory experience when bottoming out. Hence, even though the Briny and Violet have different top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing creates a harmonious typing foundation, ensuring a certain level of sound dampening across both switches.
When considering the overall impact of the different top and bottom housing materials, it is evident that both switches emphasize distinct acoustic qualities. The Briny’s nylon top housing enriches the sound experience with a rounded tone, while the Violet’s polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness. However, the nylon bottoms in both switches mean that the fundamental sound profiles will have that deeper, fuller resonance when the keys are pressed. As a result, users can expect a rich sound experience from both switches, albeit influenced by the unique attributes of their respective top materials, which defines how the switches sound when released.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium weight that provides a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Violet has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the bottom out force for the Violet is unknown, leaving a gap in our understanding of how it feels when pressed to the bottom. Since the Briny's bottom out force is confirmed at 60 grams, it suggests that the Briny offers a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a heavier switch. Overall, users seeking a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions might lean toward the Violet, while those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback may find the Briny more suitable for their needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the Briny offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Briny switch provides a shorter travel experience, which can be more appealing for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Violet's slightly longer travel distance may cater to users who prefer a more pronounced depth in their key presses, potentially leading to a more tactile and fulfilling typing experience. Ultimately, if you're aiming for enhanced responsiveness, the Keygeek Briny would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a bit more travel might lean towards the Jerrzi Violet.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 sound profile of the Keygeek Briny linear switch is balanced, producing a pleasant acoustic experience that won't be overly intrusive, making it suitable for various environments. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch features a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and a sound profile that remains unobtrusive yet satisfying. Both switches provide a sound level that is appropriate for both home and workplace settings, allowing users to engage in typing without causing annoyance to those around them.
When it comes to feel, the Briny linear switch offers a smooth actuation that is typical of linear switches, lacking any tactile bump throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the Violet tactile switch is distinguished by its stepped design, which provides a clear tactile event that feels like a deliberate two-stage actuation. This tactile feedback benefits users who enjoy a sense of awareness during typing while still maintaining a relatively mild sensation as compared to more hypertactile switches. Therefore, the Briny delivers seamless keystrokes, while the Violet provides satisfying feedback that allows for precise typing.
Overall, both the Keygeek Briny and Jerrzi Violet switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Briny's balanced sound and smooth feel appeal to those who favor unobtrusive linear switches, while the Violet’s neutral sound and stepped tactile feedback cater to typists who appreciate some sense of engagement with their keystrokes. Depending on your typing style and acoustic preferences, either switch can provide a rewarding and enjoyable experience, ensuring satisfaction whether you lean towards linear smoothness or tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a balanced sound profile, the Briny is an excellent option, particularly if you appreciate a medium actuation force of 60 grams. This makes it suitable for both typing and gaming, allowing for a satisfying typing experience without being overly strenuous on your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance, the Violet could be the right fit for you. Its gentle tactile bump offers a pleasing pop and a neutral sound signature, making it versatile for both home and office use. The Violet’s stepped feel allows for a comfortable typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate a bit of tactile guidance with each keystroke. In essence, consider the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard and whether you prefer the smoothness of a linear switch or the feedback of a tactile one.
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