Keygeek Briny vs. HMX Xinhai

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Xinhai stand out as two compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Briny is designed with an UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which contributes to its balanced sound profile, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a smooth typing experience without distracting noise. In contrast, the Xinhai features a unique PA12 top housing, which enhances its softer acoustics profile, while its POM stem provides a distinctively crisp resonance that appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. While both switches cater to users looking for linear characteristics, the Briny prioritizes balance in sound quality, whereas the Xinhai boasts a bouncy, clacky, and creamy texture that offers greater sophistication in feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Briny Linear

HMX Xinhai Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Xinhai are both constructed from the classic material, nylon, which provides a direct correlation in their performance characteristics. Given that both models employ nylon for both their top and bottom housings, users can expect a deep and fuller sound profile when typing. This is primarily due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, irrespective of the specific branding.

While the materials of the Briny and Xinhai are identical, the impact of the housing on the overall keyboard experience will still encompass distinct qualities based on housing positions. The bottom housing is critical to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, meaning that when a user presses down on either switch, they will encounter a significantly soft and absorbing impact characteristic of the nylon material. Conversely, the top housing contributes more to the releasing sound when a key is let go, enhancing the overall tactile feedback. This shared construction across both keyboards ensures that users experience consistency in performance and sound profile regardless of their choice.

In conclusion, the shared use of nylon in both the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Xinhai creates a unified foundation for sound and feel, yet the two models may still offer unique experiences due to individual design nuances. The full potential of each switch is realized when considering the performance contribution of both the top and bottom housings. However, given their common material, users can confidently expect comparable results in terms of acoustic quality and tactile feedback, allowing for a seamless transition between the two keyboards without compromising on experience.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorized as medium, while the Xinhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, placing it in the light range. This difference means that the Xinhai switch requires less force to register a keystroke, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it reduces finger fatigue. Conversely, the Briny, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial, tactile feel when typing. In summary, if you're looking for a lighter switch experience, the Xinhai is the clear choice, while the Briny offers a more weighted choice for a more pronounced typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Briny offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Briny, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feedback and a more profound pressing experience, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a hearty depth in their keypresses. In contrast, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance aligns with the trend toward faster and more responsive key feedback, which is often favored by gamers seeking quick response times. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Xinhai would be the more suitable choice, whereas the Briny would appeal to those who appreciate a more traditional and deeper pressing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny switch is known for producing a balanced sound profile thanks to its construction with a UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This results in a sound that is neither overly loud nor too muted, making it suitable for a variety of environments without being disruptive. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a clacky sound characterized by its crisp, bright, and percussive nature. This is attributed to the combination of a PA12 top housing and POM stem, which enhances the sharpness of each keystroke. The Xinhai’s clacky sound will likely be more pronounced and attention-grabbing compared to the more subdued acoustics of the Briny, but both switches may produce different nuances depending on the keyboard layout and keycap material used.

When it comes to feel, the Briny switch exhibits a yet-to-be-discussed characteristic, leaving its tactile feedback and key press sensations open to interpretation. However, the Xinhai switch is well noted for its bouncy and creamy feel. The bouncy quality provides a spring-like sensation during typing, offering a lively rebound with each keypress, while the creamy aspect delivers a silky smooth typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The combination of these qualities gives the Xinhai a distinct advantage in terms of an enjoyable typing experience, allowing users to experience a satisfying tactile response that the Briny may not match.

In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound profile that is versatile for different typing environments, the HMX Xinhai switch stands out with its striking clacky acoustics and superbly enjoyable tactile feedback characterized by its bounciness and creaminess. While the specific feel and sound attributes of the Briny may not be as vividly described, users can expect a different typing sensation that may appeal to their preferences. Ultimately, both switches serve their purpose well but cater to different tastes and typing styles, allowing individuals to choose based on their sound and feel preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny and HMX Xinhai linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that provides a balanced sound profile and a medium actuation force of 60 grams, the Briny is an excellent choice. Its construction with a UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing offers a versatile experience that is ideal for both typing and gaming, delivering a satisfying tactile sensation without overwhelming your fingers. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a lighter, more playful switch experience, the Xinhai, with its 45-gram actuation force, will likely capture your interest. The combination of its PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and POM stem for crisp sounds creates a bouncy and creamy feel that is perfect for users who enjoy a more dynamic and lively key response. Ultimately, choosing the Briny will suit those who want a more grounded typing experience, while the Xinhai is tailored for those who enjoy a lively and smooth tactile feedback.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more