HMX 1989 vs. Gateron Beer
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the Gateron Beer switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the HMX 1989 and Gateron Beer offer unique typing experiences to cater to different preferences. The HMX 1989 is a linear switch known for its "thocky" sound and deep actuation, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted keypress without tactile feedback. This switch’s heavy, pronounced feel can enhance the satisfaction of bottoming out, especially during intense gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Beer is a tactile switch that stands out with its lightweight design and distinctive stepped tactility. Evoking the effervescent charm of a Tsingtao beer bottle, this switch offers a subtler tactile feel that can provide gratifying feedback without the rigidity of more traditional tactile switches. Additionally, the Beer switch produces a clacky sound signature, which can be appealing for those who enjoy auditory cues while typing. Ultimately, each switch brings its own flavor to the keyboard experience, appealing to different user preferences in terms of feel, sound, and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the Gateron Beer switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similar auditory profile characterized by sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sounds. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound that users typically appreciate, especially in environments where RGB lighting is employed. The translucency of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the visual aesthetics of RGB lighting setups. Given that both the 1989 and Beer switches share this polycarbonate material for their top housings, users can expect comparable acoustics when it comes to typing experiences on these switches.
While both the HMX 1989 and the Gateron Beer have polycarbonate top housings, their bottom housings diverge significantly. The 1989 employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is a classic choice in the keyboard switch market. Nylon's relatively softer composition allows it to absorb sound rather than amplify it, meaning the 1989 will produce a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts with the Beer switch's continuation of the crispness intrinsic to polycarbonate. This divergence in materials underscores how the bottom housing can influence the switch's auditory characteristics, particularly in how they feel while typing or bottoming out.
In combining the qualities of each switch's housing materials, the HMX 1989 delivers a balanced typing experience where the nylon bottom housing creates a rounder sound impact, while the polycarbonate top housing maintains a brighter resonance when releasing keys. Meanwhile, the Gateron Beer, using polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, will not have the same depth of sound due to its stiffer material composition throughout. However, the Beer switch will likely replicate the high-pitched sound characteristics and brightness, providing a consistent auditory experience. Collectively, users should choose based on whether they prefer the rich sound profile of the 1989 or the brighter, more uniform acoustics of the Beer switch for their typing preferences.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch exhibit different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Gateron Beer switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Beer switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, offering less resistance and potentially enabling longer typing sessions or extended gameplay without fatigue. On the other hand, the HMX 1989, being heavier, provides a more substantial feel which some users may prefer for its feedback when typing or gaming. Overall, while both switches exhibit a relatively similar bottom out force, the actuation forces differ significantly, with the HMX 1989 being heavier than the Gateron Beer.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch, it's clear that the HMX 1989 takes the lead with a distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Beer measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Beer switch the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that can be particularly appealing to gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the HMX 1989 offers a heartier depth that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth, with the HMX 1989 catering to those who enjoy a more traditional and deeper keystroke, while the Gateron Beer suits those who favor speed and quick reactions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX 1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the 1989 for $3.29.
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch is characterized as having a deep, thocky tone, which makes it particularly appealing for users who desire a satisfying auditory feedback without the sharpness that some tactile or clicky switches offer. This deep sound signature contributes to a more subdued yet rich experience, making every keystroke feel both substantial and pleasing. In contrast, the Gateron Beer switch produces a bright and percussive clacky sound that is reminiscent of a crisp and bubbly champagne cork pop. This characteristic clackiness delivers an energetic auditory experience that many typists find enjoyable and stimulating, though it may be perceived as somewhat sharper in comparison to the more subdued 1989.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 switch offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, allowing for a seamless typing experience without any tactile bump. This linear feel is ideal for gamers or typists who prefer rapid keystrokes without resistance, providing a fluid motion that enhances speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer switch boasts a lightweight design with a unique stepped tactility that provides a noticeable bump, albeit more subtly compared to traditional tactile switches. Users will appreciate the gentle resistance that the Beer switch offers, making typing feel effortless and reducing fatigue during longer sessions. This stepped feel may appeal to those who like tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance.
In conclusion, the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch present two very different typing experiences. The HMX 1989 is ideal for users who enjoy a deep, thocky sound and a smooth linear feel, while the Gateron Beer will attract those who prefer a lively, clacky sound combined with a lightweight and subtly tactile typing experience. Both switches bring their unique advantages, and ultimately, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch depends largely on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you desire. If you favor a smooth typing experience with a pronounced thock sound and can appreciate a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, the HMX 1989 would be an excellent match, especially for gaming or typing sessions where feedback from a linear switch enhances performance and enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lightweight key press for extended typing or gaming—where minimal finger fatigue is essential—then the Gateron Beer is your go-to, thanks to its gentle actuation force of just 50 grams and stepped tactile feedback. The Beer’s clacky sound and easy-to-press design also make it great for those who appreciate a lively auditory response while typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your tactile preferences, whether you seek a silky smooth linear feel or a crisp tactile experience that offers a subtle kick during each keystroke.
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