Gateron Beer vs. HMX Blue Topaz
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX Blue Topaz switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the HMX Blue Topaz offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Beer switch, with its translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, provides a refreshing tactile experience. It is characterized by its light touch and stepped tactility, resulting in a unique typing feel and a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz switch stands out for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing effortless and enjoyable. With a glittery housing that adds a visual appeal and a satisfying clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz switch offers a sensory experience like no other. 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
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and HMX Blue Topaz switches are quite similar, both featuring polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches results in a clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for RGB lighting due to their translucency. However, the bottom housing of the Beer is also made of polycarbonate, while the Blue Topaz uses nylon for its bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material means that typing on the Blue Topaz will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Beer.
In terms of sound and feel, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall experience of using a switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Blue Topaz absorbs more sound than the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. When pressing down on the Blue Topaz, you will feel the impact of the softer nylon bottom housing contributing to a more cushioned bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the impact of the top housing material will be more noticeable when releasing a key, affecting the sound produced when the key is let go.
Overall, both the Gateron Beer and HMX Blue Topaz switches feature polycarbonate top housings that produce a similar sharp, high-pitched sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. However, the difference in bottom housing material between the two switches results in a contrasting typing experience. While the Beer offers a more clear and resonant sound due to its polycarbonate bottom housing, the Blue Topaz provides a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its nylon bottom housing. These differences in bottom housing material showcase how the composition of housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Both switches have relatively light forces, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The lighter weight of these switches allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making them well-suited for work environments or extended gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel for more substantial typing feedback, they may opt for options with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, both switches provide a smooth and responsive typing experience, with slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces for those who have specific preferences in their keyboard switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch, the Beer has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Blue Topaz has a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Beer being slightly shorter and the Blue Topaz being slightly longer. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Beer for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may prefer the longer travel distance of the Blue Topaz. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key response and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch are described as having a clacky sound signature. This means that when pressed, they produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press and having a stepped tactility. This means that these switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped tactility provides a subtler feel compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch also offers an easy-to-press experience with a super smooth actuation. Typing with these switches feels lightweight, making each keystroke a breeze for the user.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While both switches have a clacky sound signature, they differ in their tactile feel - with the Beer having a stepped tactility and the Blue Topaz providing a super smooth linear experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. Whether you prefer a subtle tactile feedback or a smooth linear feel, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Beer if you prefer a switch with a unique stepped tactility, offering a subtle tactile feedback and a characteristic clacky sound signature. Additionally, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a refreshing, lightweight typing experience, the Beer may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a super smooth actuation and a lightweight feel in a switch, along with a visually appealing housing design featuring glitter accents, the Blue Topaz linear switch would be a great fit. With a slightly lighter bottom out force of 48 grams and a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz provides a smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactility, sound, and typing feel, ensuring that you choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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