Gateron Beer vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and TTC Brother offer unique experiences for users seeking either a tactile or clicky switch. The Gateron Beer, with its mesmerizing translucent green appearance, features a stepped tactility that provides a subtler feel compared to traditional tactile switches. It offers an effortless and easy-to-press keystroke with a characteristic clacky sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its lightweight actuation and satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, making it a top favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. While both switches are easy to press and deliver a stepped feedback, the Beer leans towards a lighter, clacky feel while the Brother offers a crisp, crunchy click with each keystroke. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and TTC Brother switches are quite similar in terms of their top housing being made of polycarbonate. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, allowing the light to shine through and create a visually appealing effect. Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches enhances the sound and aesthetics of the typing experience.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Gateron Beer utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the TTC Brother uses a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer continues to enhance the sharp and clear sound profile of the switch, particularly affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Brother contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can lead to variations in the overall typing experience between the two switches.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Beer and TTC Brother switches share a polycarbonate top housing that enhances sound quality and aesthetics, they diverge in their bottom housing materials. The Gateron Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper sound profile, while the TTC Brother's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience, as the materials used in their housings play a significant role in shaping these qualities.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, it is clear that the Beer is the lighter option between the two. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Brother has an actuation force of 37 grams with an unknown bottom out force. The Beer provides a lighter typing experience compared to the Brother, which may be preferred by those looking for a gentler touch. On the other hand, the Brother switch offers a slightly stronger actuation force, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation force, but the Beer is lighter overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Brother clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their faster response times. Gamers, in particular, often favor switches with shorter travel distances for quick and precise movements during gameplay. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the Beer and Brother switches may not be noticeable to all users. Ultimately, whether you prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Beer or the slightly longer travel distance of the Brother will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a distinctively clacky experience, with each keypress producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch delivers a satisfyingly crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, providing a clear and precise auditory feedback that is sure to please clicky switch enthusiasts. Both switches offer unique sound signatures that cater to different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience tailored to individual tastes.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Beer and TTC Brother switches share similar characteristics. They are described as easy-to-press switches, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, both switches feature a stepped tactile feedback, providing a more subtle tactile bump compared to other switches, allowing for a more nuanced typing experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Overall, both switches enhance the typing experience by offering responsive and low-impact key presses that cater to a wide range of typists.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and TTC Brother clicky switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer switch provides a clacky sound signature with a stepped tactile feel, the Brother switch offers a crunchy sound with a similar stepped tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these two switches to customize their keyboard experience. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that prioritizes comfort, responsiveness, and distinct tactile feedback, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Beer tactile switch or the TTC Brother clicky switch, you should factor in your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky sound with a lighter actuation force and a stepped tactile feel, the Beer switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a crunchy sound and a light actuation force along with a stepped tactile feel, then the Brother switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing experience and what features align best with your typing style.
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