Keygeek Briny vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing preferences, two noteworthy options stand out: the Keygeek Briny and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile. The Briny, renowned for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, offers a balanced sound profile that appeals to those who prefer a linear switch experience devoid of tactile feedback. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch shines with its distinctive snappy and perceivable tactile bump, alongside a neutral sound signature that caters to users who enjoy the feedback of a tactile response without the harshness of a loud click. It’s categorized as ‘Stepped,’ ‘Neutral,’ and ‘Easy-to-press,’ making it a solid choice for those who like a bit of sensation while typing or gaming. Both switches have their unique advantages, so understanding their characteristics is key to making an informed decision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s perfect for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, one clear distinction emerges: the top housing materials used in each switch. The Briny features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs vibrations effectively. This results in a softer typing experience characterized by a duller sound. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. This material choice enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, contributing to a brighter auditory experience. The varied sound profiles produced by nylon and polycarbonate demonstrate how the choice of top housing material can significantly impact the overall typing acoustics of the switch.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a strong unification in terms of tactile feedback and sound quality at the bottom-out point. The softness of nylon contributes to the overall deeper and rounder sound, which is consistent across both models when keys are fully depressed. This shared characteristic ensures that users will experience a noticeable, muted sound during the bottoming out of each keypress, regardless of the differences in top housing materials. As a result, the underlying foundations of each switch remain similar in terms of tactile feedback and acoustic properties, despite the contrasting surfaces experienced during the full travel of the switch.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials and consistent bottom housing between the Keygeek Briny and WS Light Tactile creates a unique typing experience. While the Briny's nylon top provides a mellow, subdued acoustic signature, the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top promises a more pronounced auditory response. This interplay allows each switch to deliver distinct auditory characteristics while benefitting from the tone produced by the nylon bottom. Consequently, users can expect a blended experience influenced by both the sharper qualities of the polycarbonate and the fuller tones of the nylon, allowing for a diverse range of tactile and auditory feedback across the two models.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch with the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny switch features a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a sturdier typing experience. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suited for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during long work or gaming sessions. As a result, the Briny is the heavier option overall, while the WS Light Tactile is the lighter choice. Users who enjoy a stronger push feel might gravitate towards the Briny, whereas those seeking a gentler touch will likely prefer the WS Light Tactile.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance suggests that the Briny switch offers a more responsive experience, which can be particularly appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a deeper keypress that may resonate more with users who prefer a more substantial tactile feel when typing. As a result, if you're looking for a quicker response, the Briny would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the WS Light Tactile would be better for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke depth.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 it comes to sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for producing a balanced sound profile, making it quite versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office. The neutrality of its audio output allows it to blend seamlessly into both casual and professional settings. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch features a neutral sound signature as well, which ensures that it is not overly loud or distracting. This characteristic makes the WS Light Tactile suitable for anyone from beginners to professionals, as they can type comfortably without the worry of annoying their surroundings. Both switches, while differing in design, maintain a moderate sound level, making them ideal if you prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Briny linear switch remains somewhat of an unknown; however, its design indicates a smooth keystroke typical of linear switches. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch is characterized by its stepped tactile feedback, giving it a distinct two-stage feel during key presses. This design allows users to experience a gentle bump at the tactile point without overwhelming feedback, and its easy-to-press nature means that minimal force is required to actuate the switch. This low actuation force helps reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, creating a more comfortable experience overall. Thus, while the Briny offers a smooth and consistent typing feel, the WS Light Tactile provides an engaging tactile sensation that can enhance typing enjoyment.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offer qualities that can cater to different preferences. The Briny’s balanced sound profile and the WS Light Tactile’s neutral sound level create an environment conducive to focused work or typing, while their tactile and smooth response characteristics serve to enhance user experience. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer the straightforward smoothness of a linear switch or the delightful tactile feedback of a stepped switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your unique typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a balanced sound profile and a medium actuation force that allows for a more stable feeling while typing, the Briny is an excellent choice. Its smooth linear feel and moderate resistance can be particularly beneficial for gamers seeking rapid keystrokes and minimal interruption in their rhythm. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile option that provides a noticeable bump for better feedback during key presses, the WS Light Tactile is ideal. Its lower actuation force makes it easy to press, reducing finger fatigue, which is especially advantageous for long typing sessions or general office work. The neutral sound signature of the WS Light Tactile also makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard to make an informed decision.