Keygeek Briny vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, particularly in the realm of tactile versus linear switches. The Keygeek Briny, a linear switch, is renowned for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which together create a balanced sound profile that many users appreciate for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for gamers or anyone who prefers a more fluid typing feel. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch that caters to discerning typists, featuring a gentle tactility that enhances the typing experience without being intrusive. This switch is particularly suited for long hours of typing, as its light tactile feedback provides just enough sensation to keep the user engaged without fatigue, while also supporting vibrant RGB lighting through a removable light column. With such contrasting characteristics, the Briny and White Lotus switches offer distinct advantages—smooth, linear action versus subtle tactile feedback, perfect for different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Durock White Lotus, we see a notable difference in the compositions of their top housings. The Briny uses a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer plastic characteristics. This material absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the White Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE) for its top housing. While both materials aim to provide a premium feel, the distinct combination of PC and UPE in the White Lotus introduces a unique character that differs from the classic, more muted characteristics of nylon.
Interestingly, both switches share a nylon material composition for their bottom housings, which aligns them in terms of sound qualities when pressed down. With nylon's inherent absorbent properties, both switches benefit similarly from a reduced resonance, leading to a deeper sound when bottomed out. Despite the differences observed in their top housings, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the auditory experience remains consistent when the key is fully depressed. Thus, the deeper sound profile remains a unifying characteristic for both switches when considering their bottom housing.
Overall, the Keygeek Briny and the Durock White Lotus exhibit a blend of similarities and differences in their housing materials. The contrasting top housings highlight the unique sound profiles each switch can offer, while the identical nylon bottom housings ensure that users will experience that signature deep thud when keys are fully pressed. If a user is seeking a specific auditory experience, understanding this division in housing material characteristics is crucial, as the top housing influences the sound on release, while the bottom housing shapes the feel and sound at bottom out. As a result, both switches can deliver a satisfying and distinctive typing experience, tailored by their respective designs.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the White Lotus's 46 grams, making the former the heavier switch. Similarly, the bottom out force for the Briny is also greater at 60 grams, while the White Lotus bottoms out at 56 grams, reinforcing the Briny's heavier overall feel. For users who prefer a lighter touch that allows for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue, the White Lotus may be the better choice due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Briny, as it provides a firmer push with a more noticeable feedback sensation.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Briny the shorter switch, appealing to users who favor quicker response times, such as gamers who thrive on rapid key presses. In contrast, the White Lotus, with its greater travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt during typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference: those who prefer a snappier feel may lean towards the Briny, while those who appreciate a more substantial keypress may opt for the White Lotus.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 it comes to sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile that contributes to a smooth typing experience without drawing too much attention. This makes it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern, as it tends to blend into the background. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switch features a low-pitched sound that has a mellow and bass-heavy quality, making it feel more substantial without being overwhelming. Its neutral sound profile allows the White Lotus to shine in both office and home settings, catering to a wide range of user preferences. While both switches offer low noise levels, the Briny’s balanced sound might appeal to those who prefer a more understated auditory experience, whereas the White Lotus adds a bit of richness and character.
In terms of feel, the Briny linear switch excels in delivering a smooth, unhindered typing experience typical of linear switches, allowing for rapid key presses without tactile feedback. This makes it ideal for gamers and typists who favor fast, uninterrupted keystrokes. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance. Its mild and subtle characteristics provide a comfortable typing feel that optimizes extended typing sessions by reducing finger fatigue. The White Lotus's light actuation force and soft tactile bump make it particularly appealing for users who desire tactile feedback without it being overly pronounced, thus offering a pleasant middle-ground experience for most typists.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch cater to different preferences while maintaining low sound levels suitable for shared workspaces. The Briny’s smooth linear feel lends itself well to fast-paced usage, while the White Lotus captivates with its gentle tactile feedback and rich sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prefers the uninterrupted flow of linear switches or the comforting reassurance of slight tactile feedback, both of which will deliver satisfying results in their respective styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a smooth and balanced typing experience with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny may be the ideal choice for you. It provides a linear switch feel that can benefit gamers or those who dislike tactile feedback and seek uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light, tactile experience with a lower bottom-out force of 56 grams, the White Lotus is an excellent fit, especially during long typing sessions. Its subtle tactility and easy-to-press design make it particularly appealing for office work or general typing, as it minimizes finger fatigue while providing a pleasing tactile sensation. Moreover, the White Lotus enhances the aesthetic of your keyboard through vibrant RGB illumination, making it a great choice for those who appreciate not just functionality but also visual appeal. Ultimately, consider your primary activities—whether it's gaming, typing, or a bit of both—and your preference for tactile feedback or smoothness to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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