Gateron Beer vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch to the HMX EMO linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Beer switch stands out with its translucent green design inspired by Tsingtao beer bottles, offering a lightweight and tactile typing experience with a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the EMO switch from HMX provides a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light bottom-out force, delivering a smooth and satisfying typing experience. While the Beer switch is known for its easy-to-press and stepped tactility, the EMO switch is factory-lubed for an effortless and bouncy feel. 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
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
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 the HMX EMO are quite similar, both utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, which leads to a clear and resonant sound when typing on the switches. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures that the sound produced is consistent and enjoyable for users.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gateron Beer uses polycarbonate while the HMX EMO utilizes nylon. This difference in materials affects the sound profile of the switches - the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer contributes to a sharper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the EMO elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the clearer and crisper sound produced by polycarbonate. This distinction in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience for users.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in the sound profile and feel of typing on mechanical keyboards. While both the Gateron Beer and HMX EMO feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, the contrasting nylon bottom housing of the EMO provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer. Understanding how different materials affect sound can help users choose the right switch for their preferences, whether they prioritize a clear and resonant sound or a deeper and fuller typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX EMO linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The Beer has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the EMO's 40 grams, while the EMO has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams compared to the Beer's 50 grams. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the Beer providing a slightly softer touch on actuation and the EMO offering a slightly more noticeable bump. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Beer, while those who prefer a bit more tactile feedback may opt for the EMO. However, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience and are suitable for long typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the EMO switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience for users. If you prefer a slightly deeper key press, you may lean towards the HMX EMO switch, whereas if you prefer a slightly shallower key press, the Gateron Beer switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their relatively close travel distances.
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 EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its distinctive clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the HMX EMO linear switch's sound characteristics are not described in the information provided. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers an easy-to-press experience with a gentle resistance during key presses, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, it features a stepped tactility that provides a more subtle feel compared to other tactile switches. Meanwhile, the HMX EMO linear switch is described as delivering a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light bottom-out force of 46g, offering a bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX EMO linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a unique clacky sound with an easy-to-press and stepped tactile feel, while the EMO switch delivers a lively and clacky typing experience with a light bottom-out force. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, either of these switches can provide an enjoyable and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, it is recommended to test out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom-out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom-out force and a switch with a stepped tactility that produces a characteristic clacky sound, then the Gateron Beer tactile switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a switch that offers a lively, clacky feel with exceptional factory lubrication for smooth typing, then the HMX EMO linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you're looking to achieve.
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