Keygeek Briny vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear both offer unique benefits suited for different typing experiences. The Briny, with its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile that caters to those who appreciate a more traditional tactile feedback without the overwhelming noise often associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear is designed to elevate the work environment with its ingenious engineering, featuring discreet cutouts in the stem railings that significantly reduce noise while maintaining a highly responsive typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a quiet atmosphere without compromising on the satisfaction of a solid bottom-out, distinguishing itself from typical silent options that use silicone dampeners. Both switches are linear, offering smooth keystrokes, yet they cater to distinct user preferences—whether you seek a classic typing feel or an ultra-quiet workspace. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear, we find that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared choice in material exemplifies the advantages of nylon in creating a distinctive typing experience. The nylon used in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. This material not only absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics but also contributes to a less pronounced and more rounded acoustic character. As a result, users of both switches can expect an enhanced auditory experience when typing, with a notable emphasis on a warm and muted sound.
The uniformity in housing material across both switches means that the qualities associated with nylon’s sound absorption and tactile feedback are consistently reflected in both designs. Each switch features nylon top and bottom housings that control different aspects of the typing experience. While both switches will produce a similar auditory effect, the feel of each switch may vary slightly due to their unique designs and construction. Nevertheless, the underlying acoustic properties provided by the nylon housings ensure that typists enjoy a consistently pleasant sound profile, irrespective of the specific switch model they choose.
In summary, the Keygeek Briny and the WS Silent Linear both rely on nylon for their housings, resulting in comparable sound signatures characterized by a deeper and fuller tone. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings means that users can expect similarly engaging auditory feedback while typing. However, the individual design elements of each switch may influence the tactile experience differently, given the role of the bottom housing in sound impact, and the top housing's effect on release sound. Ultimately, the nylon material acts as a common thread, ensuring that both switches deliver exceptional performance in terms of sound quality and typing comfort.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option suitable for prolonged typing sessions and comfortable gaming. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear has an unspecified actuation force, which means we cannot directly determine its characteristics in this regard. However, its bottom out force of 63.5 grams is heavier than the Briny's 60 grams. This indicates that while the Briny is easier to press at the actuation point, the WS Silent Linear provides a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Thus, users seeking a lighter and more effortless keypress may prefer the Briny, while those who favor a firmer push and a heavier overall experience might gravitate towards the WS Silent Linear.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, the Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Silent Linear measures slightly less at 3.5 mm. This means that the Briny switch offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced depth when pressing down on keys. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Linear can provide a quicker response time, making it an attractive option for gamers looking for rapid key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences: those who value a deeper feel may opt for the Briny, while those in favor of a snappier action might lean towards the WS Silent Linear.
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 Silent Linear 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 produces a balanced audio profile. This characteristic offers a pleasant auditory experience that is not overly sharp or muted, making it suitable for various environments. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch emphasizes a much quieter experience. With descriptors like neutral, muted, and subdued, the WS Silent Linear is designed to reduce noise considerably compared to traditional mechanical switches. It manages to accomplish this without silicone dampeners, instead opting for expertly crafted stem railings that minimize audible disruption. This makes the WS Silent Linear an excellent choice for office settings where keyboard noise can be a distraction.
As for the feel of these switches, the Briny switch is also not specifically characterized, leaving an opportunity for personal interpretation of its tactile experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is neither too mechanical nor too soft. This mildness offers a comfortable middle ground, appealing to both novices and seasoned typists who prefer a more approachable sensation while typing. The lack of abrasive feedback and the refined resistance contribute to a satisfying yet understated feel, making long typing sessions more enjoyable.
In summary, the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound profile likely suitable for various environments but does not have a defined tactile feel described. The Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, conversely, provides a drastically quieter experience while maintaining a mild and gentle typing feel. For anyone looking for a plush typing experience coupled with tranquility, the WS Silent Linear stands out as an excellent choice, whereas the Briny switch may resonate more with those who appreciate a balanced sound signature. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the WS Silent Linear significantly focusing on noise reduction while delivering a mild tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you favor a balanced sound profile and a medium actuation force of 60 grams, the Briny is an excellent choice, providing tactile feedback that can enhance your typing experience without being overly loud—great for environments where you want to maintain some level of quiet without sacrificing responsiveness. On the other hand, if you work in a noise-sensitive setting or simply prefer a more subdued auditory experience, the WS Silent Linear switch is designed for you. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it still delivers satisfying responsiveness while incorporating ingenious design elements to minimize noise effectively. Its muted and subdued sound profile ensures a tranquil work environment, making it ideal for lengthy typing sessions where both focus and comfort are paramount. So, choose the Briny if you're looking for an approachable and balanced feel, or opt for the WS Silent Linear if your priority is a quieter, yet still precise typing experience.