Gateron Beer vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and HMX Cheese offer distinctive qualities to suit different preferences. The Beer, with its sparkling allure and translucent green appearance, is a tactile switch that stands out for its lightweight and stepped tactility, providing a unique typing experience with a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese is a linear switch known for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light feel, offering a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different users depending on their typing style and preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and HMX Cheese switches both feature unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile and feel of the switch. The Beer's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Cheese's nylon top and bottom housing offer a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. These differences in material composition result in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
Despite their differences, both the Gateron Beer and HMX Cheese switches prioritize the sound profile and tactile feel of the typing experience. While the Beer's polycarbonate housing delivers a clear and resonant sound, the Cheese's nylon housing offers a duller and rounder sound, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Both switches leverage the unique properties of their housing materials to create distinct typing experiences, providing users with options to customize their keyboards to suit their preferences.
In the end, whether you choose the Gateron Beer or HMX Cheese switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with a focus on sound and feel. The use of different housing materials in each switch allows users to tailor their keyboard to their specific preferences, whether they prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile from polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound from nylon. Ultimately, both switches offer premium construction and attention to detail, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the housing material chosen.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the HMX Cheese linear switch. The Beer requires 38 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Cheese needs 43 grams to actuate and 46 grams to bottom out. Both switches provide a light typing experience, which is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Cheese offers a slightly stronger push feel compared to the Beer, which may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, which is preferred by gamers for quicker response times. The difference between the two distances is minimal, with the Cheese being slightly longer. For those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Beer may be the preferred choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Cheese may provide a slightly deeper feel when pressed, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, so users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and response between the two.
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 Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 is known for its distinctive clacky sound signature, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the sound of the HMX Cheese linear switch is not listed, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by making it effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Beer switch is noted for its stepped tactility, providing a subtler feel compared to other tactile switches. The HMX Cheese linear switch is not described in terms of feel, so it is unknown how it compares to the Beer in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out for its distinctive clacky sound signature, easy-to-press feel, and stepped tactility. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese linear switch is highlighted for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light nature, as well as a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. While both switches may offer unique qualities, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between them to ensure the best typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a unique typing experience with a stepped tactility and characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking an exceptionally smooth and crisp typing experience with an ultra-light bottom out force and a satisfying clacky sound signature, the HMX Cheese linear switch is worth considering. Ultimately, your preference for a specific sound and feel will play a significant role in determining which switch suits your typing style best.
Mentioned in this article
