Gateron Beer vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a sea of options to find the perfect fit for their typing style and preferences. The Gateron Beer switches, with their tactile design, evoke the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle, offering a lightweight yet engaging typing experience characterized by a stepped tactility that provides subtle feedback at the point of actuation. Their distinct clacky sound signature further enhances the playful appeal for users who enjoy auditory sensations while they type. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switches embrace a linear design and are notable for their rich sound profile, crafted with full nylon construction for exceptional durability. Featuring the smoothness of the Ly stem, these switches cater to those who favor a seamless keypress without the distraction of tactile bumps or auditory feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron Beer and HMX Deep Navy switches hinges on whether you prefer the tactile engagement and sound of the former or the silky smoothness of the latter. 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
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer switches and the HMX Deep Navy switches utilize distinctly different housing materials that contribute uniquely to their auditory profiles. The Gateron Beer features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is characterized by its clarity and resonance. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows sound waves to travel with more precision, creating a crisper typist experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting effects, offering an aesthetically pleasing glow when lit, making these switches particularly appealing for enthusiastic gamers and typists who appreciate visual effects alongside performance.
In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. As a result, users can expect a more muted, rounded auditory experience while typing. This material choice notably affects how the switch feels when pressed, as the nylon provides a tactile experience that emphasizes the softness of each keystroke. While the Gateron Beer's sound profile tends to be more lively and vibrant due to the polycarbonate composition, the HMX Deep Navy offers a more subdued and balanced experience that appeals to those who prefer a comfortable and quieter typing environment.
Despite their differences, the results in terms of overall performance can be somewhat similar. If both switches are utilized in a keyboard, users will notice distinct auditory characteristics based on the housing materials. For example, while the Gateron Beer offers a sharper sound upon release, the HMX Deep Navy provides a more muted and plush experience during the bottoming out phase. This divergence highlights how the materials impact various aspects of the typing experience, demonstrating that even if the bottom and top housings differ significantly, both approaches can lead to satisfying and enjoyable results for the user, depending on their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, we see some intriguing differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Beer features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the HMX Deep Navy requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Gateron Beer the lighter option overall, which may appeal to users looking for a more effortless typing experience suitable for extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Deep Navy's slightly higher actuation force provides a bit more resistance, which some typists may prefer for a more substantial feel while typing. Both switches, however, are considered light by general standards, meaning they can deliver satisfying results for users who favor a gentler touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch exhibit a slight difference in travel distance, with the Beer measuring 3.4 mm and the Deep Navy measuring 3.6 mm. This makes the Gateron Beer the shorter option, while the HMX Deep Navy has the longer travel distance. For users seeking a more responsive feel, the shorter travel of the Gateron Beer may provide quicker actuation, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience might prefer the HMX Deep Navy’s longer travel distance, offering a more traditional depth that can feel less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus tactile depth.
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 Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, the differences are quite striking. The Beer switches produce a distinctive clacky sound, characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive tone with each keypress. This lively auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience, making it feel more engaging. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Deep Navy switches, while detailed, remains unspecified in this context. Therefore, without this information, we can't draw a direct comparison in terms of sound quality, but it’s important to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Beer switches stand out with their lightweight design and stepped tactile feedback. They provide an easy-to-press experience that requires minimal force, making them well-suited for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. The stepped tactility offers a unique touch sensation that differentiates it from more extreme tactile options; you can perceive a mild bump at specific points during the keystroke. Conversely, the feel of the Deep Navy switches remains unknown. Without specific details on their characteristics, we cannot compare them directly, but generally, linear switches offer a smoother experience without any tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switches offer a clacky sound and a comfortable, lightweight feel with stepped tactility, making them a fun and engaging choice for typing enthusiasts. Conversely, while we know less about the HMX Deep Navy linear switches in these categories, they are anticipated to provide a smoother experience typical of linear switches. Based on personal preference for sound and feel, either switch could serve well in a mechanical keyboard, but if you enjoy auditory feedback along with distinct tactile sensations, the Beer may be the more appealing option.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lightweight feel and the engaging, clacky sound that brings a bit of character to your typing experience, the Beer switches are an excellent choice. Their stepped tactility provides a pleasant, yet subtle feedback without being overwhelming, making them suitable for long typing sessions while minimizing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, linear response and a quieter keystroke, the Deep Navy switches deliver a silky typing experience that can be particularly appealing for gaming or focused work environments where noise levels should be kept to a minimum. Their lower bottom-out force of 45 grams makes them similarly light to the Beer switches, but without the tactile feedback, allowing for a more fluid motion when typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your priorities—whether you relish the sound and tactility of the Beer or prefer the smoothness and subtlety of the Deep Navy—as both can enhance your keyboard experience in their unique ways.
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