Keygeek Briny vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the nuanced differences in feel and sound that various switches can offer. The Keygeek Briny, a linear switch crafted with a UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, presents a balanced sound profile that appeals to those seeking a more subdued yet pleasant typing experience. Its straightforward linear actuation makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who favor consistency and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade stands out with its innovative design featuring a metallic insert in the stem base, producing a bright, resonant sound profile that adds a captivating auditory element to every keystroke. Additionally, its light diffuser enhances the RGB experience, creating a visually stunning display. The WS Jade is acclaimed for its creamy and smooth typing feel, along with a rock-solid bottom-out that many users appreciate. Ultimately, choosing between the Briny and the WS Jade depends on whether you prioritize a balanced auditory experience or seek a more vibrant, resonant sound combined with a visually appealing design. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, we find that they utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which subsequently affects the sound profile and overall typing experience. The Briny's top and bottom housings are made from nylon, a material recognized for its softer properties that absorb sound effectively. This results in a typing experience characterized by a fuller and deeper sound profile. The nylon composition allows for a rounder sound, reducing the harsher tones often produced by more rigid plastics. In contrast, the WS Jade incorporates a polyoxymethylene (POM) material for both its top and bottom housings. While POM is also a softer plastic, it produces a distinctly unique sound that is deeper yet relatively muted compared to nylon. Thus, while both materials create certain muted tonal qualities, the nuances of sound and feel differ due to the inherent characteristics of nylon versus POM.
Despite their differences, both the nylon and POM housings of the Briny and WS Jade contribute to an overall more satisfying typing experience. The impact of the top housing on the sound during a key release is something both switches excel at, albeit with different sound qualities. With the Briny, the nylon top housing not only softens the sound but also adds an element of warmth that can be very appealing to typists who enjoy a smoothed-out auditory feedback. On the other hand, the WS Jade's POM material provides a distinctive quality that allows for an equally engaging sound profile, albeit with a different character that typists may find uniquely enjoyable. Both options offer muted and delightful soundscapes, showcasing the versatility of each material.
Ultimately, although the Keygeek Briny and Wuque Studio WS Jade differ in their housing materials, they can offer similar results in terms of providing a pleasing auditory experience. The nylon housing of the Briny tends to absorb sound and create a warmer profile, while the POM housing of the WS Jade offers a distinctly muted sound that typists may find equally satisfying. Since the bottom housing’s material significantly impacts the bottom-out feel and sound, the combination of housing materials used in each switch ultimately allows for a diverse typing experience. Those who prioritize sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards will appreciate the tonal qualities produced by both switches, even if the character of those sounds varies.
Weight
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch share identical specifications when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, both featuring an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means users of either switch can expect a similar typing experience, with the same amount of force required to trigger a keystroke and to fully bottom out the switch. As both switches have moderate forces, they are suitable for those who prefer a balance between light and heavy typing experiences. This commonality allows typists and gamers to enjoy longer sessions without strain, while still receiving a satisfying feedback from the switch. Given these similarities, the choice between the two may ultimately come down to other factors such as design or brand preference.
Travel distance
Both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch have identical travel distances of 3.6 mm. This means that users pressing down on either switch will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom, leading to similar tactile responses and key feel. Given this equality in travel distance, users can expect a comparable experience in typing and gaming performance with both switches, making them suitable options for those seeking uniformity in their keyboard feedback.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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
When exploring the sound profile of the Keygeek Briny linear switch, it is known for producing a balanced sound that generally complements a wide variety of setups, allowing the user to enjoy a pleasant auditory experience without being overpowering. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches deliver a much more pronounced auditory character, featuring a bright, clacky sound that is defined by sharp and snappy tones. The metallic insert in the Jade's stem base contributes to a marbly and resonant quality, resulting in a higher-pitched and immersive sound profile that can be quite captivating. This stark contrast in sound means that if you prefer a more subdued typing experience, the Briny may serve you well, while those seeking a vivid auditory experience would likely favor the WS Jade.
In terms of feel, the Briny's tactile qualities are less emphasized and could be considered relatively unknown in this context, making it difficult to draw specific conclusions about its smoothness or other tactile attributes. Conversely, the WS Jade is characterized by a uniquely creamy and silky feel, offering a noticeably smooth typing experience. The buttery sensation that comes with typing on Jade switches can make each keystroke feel effortless, akin to gliding across the keys, while the rock-solid bottom-out reinforces the feeling of stability during typing. This clear advantage in typing feel underscores the appeal of the WS Jade for those who prioritize tactile finesse alongside sound.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Briny switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch cater to different user preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Briny’s balanced sound makes it an excellent option for those who prefer a more understated auditory experience, while the WS Jade offers an engaging, vibrant sound alongside a notably smooth typing experience. For newcomers, understanding these differences will greatly aid in selecting the switch that best aligns with individual typing style and auditory preferences. If one is looking for similar sound characteristics, the more balanced and muted nature of the Briny may be preferred, but for a vivid sound and luxurious typing sensation, the WS Jade would be the go-to choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it ultimately depends on your priorities in sound and feel. If you prefer a balanced sound profile with a solid typing experience, the Briny might be the better choice for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a comfortable resistance that many users appreciate, all while delivering a sound that doesn’t compromise on richness. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more dynamic auditory experience, the WS Jade offers a bright, metallic, and resonant sound characterized by its clacky and marbly notes, making it ideal for those who value the aural aspects of typing. Additionally, the creamy and silky typing feel of the Jade switch, enhanced by its high-quality design and light diffuser for RGB effects, makes it an excellent option for anyone who seeks both performance and visual appeal in their keyboards. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a straightforward and balanced experience or an engaging and tactile one rich in auditory feedback.