United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

Keygeek Briny vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown

An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the choice often narrows down to personal preference based on feel, sound, and performance. The Keygeek Briny, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This switch is perfect for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience without tactile bumps or auditory distractions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch offers a tactile touch, providing a responsive feel that is ideal for those who enjoy feedback during typing. With a medium-light actuation force and a combination of nylon housing and POM stem, the WS Brown ensures comfortable typing even during long sessions while delivering a delightful sound that enthusiasts appreciate. Both switches cater to different needs—whether you favor the fluidity of linear typing or the engaging feedback of tactile switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

42g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.80 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

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 double-stage spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are both composed of nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which creates a consistent auditory experience across both products. As noted, nylon is a classic choice in switch housing due to its acoustic properties; it elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon plays a crucial role here: being a relatively softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives. This characteristic leads to a duller and rounder sound, which is desirable for many users who favor a more subdued audio feedback while typing. Consequently, users of both the Briny and the WS Brown can expect a similar auditory experience, characterized by muted keypress sounds that enhance overall typing comfort.

Despite the identical housing materials utilized in both the Keygeek Briny and the WS Brown, the way in which these housings interact can still be contrasted. The bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing is more influential during the release of the key. Therefore, even with the same nylon composition, the overall typing experience could vary depending on the specific design and tuning of the two switches. If one was to incorporate varying weight springs or other internal mechanisms, this would directly affect how the nylon housings combined with those elements contribute to the tactile sensation and sound, even if the nylon material remains constant.

Ultimately, while both the Briny and the WS Brown integrate nylon in their switch housings, their engineering nuances and any potential design variations can lead to different tactile experiences for the user. The shared material ensures that both switches maintain a solid acoustic foundation, yet individual performance will hinge on the interplay of the housing design, spring tension, and internal components. Users who prioritize sound dampening and a richer auditory profile will find common ground across both models, while enthusiasts may still notice subtle differences in feel and performance due to their unique construction.

Weight

The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch present different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to varying user preferences. The Briny switch has a clear actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, while the WS Brown lacks a specified actuation force, it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. When comparing these switches, the WS Brown is the lighter option due to its unspecified actuation force being presumably lower than 50 grams. The Briny offers a more substantial typing feel, which could benefit those who enjoy a heavier push. On the other hand, the WS Brown's lighter characteristics may facilitate longer typing or gaming sessions with less fatigue. Overall, while both switches provide a medium or medium-light experience, the Keygeek Briny is designed for those who prefer a firmer touch, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown caters to users seeking a gentler actuation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, the Keygeek Briny features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Briny is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers for quicker actuation. In contrast, the WS Brown, with its longer travel, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper key press. If you find that you enjoy shorter travel distances for faster response times, the Briny may be the better choice for you; however, if you appreciate the hearty depth that comes with a longer travel distance, the WS Brown could be more suitable.

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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.

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 Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile that tends to be quieter compared to other switches, making it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern. While specific auditory characteristics aren't mentioned, the use of an UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing suggests a muted and solid sound. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a more familiar auditory experience cherished by enthusiasts. It combines nylon housing with a POM stem, resulting in a pleasant and satisfying sound that resonates well for those who appreciate a tactile feedback loop during their typing sessions. Both switches create a sound that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, meaning users can achieve a similar auditory result if they are equipped with the right accessories.

When it comes to feel, the Briny switch is not explicitly described, leaving an opportunity for users to explore its linear action without preconceived notions. Typically, linear switches are known for their smooth key presses without any tactile bump, making them ideal for fast typists and gamers. The WS Brown, however, features a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, emphasizing fatigue-free typing during long sessions. This tactile feedback is designed to provide a subtle yet noticeable response at the actuation point, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. Thus, while the Briny provides a traditional linear feel, the WS Brown elevates typing with its tactile nuance.

In summary, the Keygeek Briny and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches present distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Briny offers a balanced sound profile and a smooth linear action that appeals to those who favor a quieter environment and effortless key travel. In contrast, the WS Brown stands out with its delightful auditory feedback and medium-light actuation, providing an engaging and comfortable typing experience. Depending on what you value in a switch, both options can suit different typing styles, with the possibility of similar auditory results when paired with the right components.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a smooth keystroke and a balanced sound profile, along with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny is a great option for you. Its design features a UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing, which lend to its unique auditory characteristics and a consistent experience. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a straightforward, linear feel without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more familiar typing experience with a tactile bump and a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, the WS Brown switch could be your best pick. Its nylon housing and POM stem combination not only offer delightful auditory feedback but also make for a comfortable typing experience, especially during longer sessions where you want to avoid fatigue. In essence, choose the Briny for linear smoothness and balanced sound, or opt for the WS Brown for a tactile, responsive feel with a touch of nostalgia.

Mentioned in this article