Gateron Beer vs. HMX EVA
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX EVA switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a tactile switch like the Gateron Beer and a linear switch such as the HMX EVA can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Beer, with its vivid translucent green casing reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, offers a unique stepped tactility that provides a subtle but noticeable feedback with each keystroke. This lightweight switch is characterized by its clacky sound signature, making it ideal for users who enjoy a lively auditory feedback and a more engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX EVA, inspired by the striking design of Evangelion Unit-01, boasts a silky smooth feel that is favored by those who prefer a seamless typing experience without tactile bumps. Its resonant sound profile enhances the enjoyment for those seeking a quieter, yet distinctively satisfying, feedback. Both switches offer distinct advantages: the Beer excels in tactile feedback and sound, while the EVA shines in smoothness and quiet operation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal preferences and typing habits.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and HMX EVA switches, a clear distinction arises between the types of plastics used in their construction. The Gateron Beer features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, a material celebrated for its stiffness and translucency. This rigidity allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, yielding a more resonant acoustic experience. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for those utilizing RGB lighting, as it enables a visually striking illumination effect. Conversely, the HMX EVA employs nylon for both the top and bottom housing. This classic switch material, being softer, results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more muted acoustic signature as it absorbs sound rather than amplifies it.
While the sound profiles produced by these two switches differ greatly due to their housing materials, they also substantially influence the user experience. The Gateron Beer's polycarbonate housing contributes to a pronounced typing experience that is bright and articulated on both keypress and release. In contrast, the HMX EVA, with its nylon construction, brings a rounded and subdued typing feel, making it more forgiving on the ears and potentially more soothing for prolonged use. This difference suggests that users may gravitate toward one or the other based on their personal sound aesthetic preferences, whether they lean towards crisp audibility or a more mellow auditory feedback.
However, should one choose to combine these housing materials within a single switch design, the result could feature a harmonious blend of characteristics. For instance, a switch with a polycarbonate top housing might still retain sharp and vibrant sound when keys are released while pairing it with a nylon bottom housing could mellow out the bottom-out sound. This approach allows for users to experience the pronounced clarity of polycarbonate coupled with the warm, rounded acoustics of nylon, potentially yielding a custom typing experience that incorporates the best of both materials. Ultimately, whether selecting the Gateron Beer or the HMX EVA, users can achieve highly contrasting or blended sound profiles based on the strategic use of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, we find subtle differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Beer switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the EVA switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Gateron Beer switch is lighter to press down, making it potentially more suited for extended typing sessions and gaming where under-reaction fatigue can be a concern. On the other hand, while both switches have light overall forces, the EVA switch’s heavier actuation force offers a more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a tactile and heavier typing experience. In terms of bottom out forces, the Beer switch requires a bit more force to reach the bottom compared to the EVA, reinforcing the notion that those who favor a heavier touch might gravitate toward the EVA switch despite both options being relatively light overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, we find that they differ slightly. The Beer switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the EVA switch measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Gateron Beer is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that some gamers might prefer for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the HMX EVA offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, if you seek a responsive typing experience, the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Beer switch might be the ideal choice, whereas the longer 3.6 mm travel distance of the EVA switch may be better suited for those who favor substantial feedback in their keystrokes.
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 EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by its clacky sound signature, which produces a sharp and snappy auditory feedback when pressed. This crisp and bright sound is percussive, contributing to an engaging typing experience that many users find appealing. In contrast, while details on the HMX EVA's sound profile are not specified, it is noted that it shares a resonant sound signature, hinting at a more distinct auditory experience. However, since the exact nature of the EVA's sound isn't detailed, the comparison remains somewhat subjective, with both switches potentially offering a satisfying acoustic element depending on the board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer is designed for ease of use with its lightweight, stepped tactility. This feature allows for a gentler resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force while typing—an advantage for those who spend long hours at the keyboard. The stepped switch design provides a more nuanced tactile feedback compared to a purely hypertactile switch, as it incorporates two stages of tactile sensation. The EVA linear switch's tactile feel, on the other hand, is not described in detail, but being a linear switch, it generally offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile bump or resistance, which some users may prefer for a more fluid typing experience.
In summary, if you're looking for a keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is ideal for those who appreciate a lightweight, clacky switch with a responsive, gentle tactile feedback. Conversely, the HMX EVA linear switch promises a smooth experience, although its specific tactile qualities remain unknown. Ultimately, while the Beer offers distinct auditory and tactile features, the EVA might cater to users who favor a seamless linear feel. Depending on personal preference, either switch can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, but the Gateron Beer stands out for its engaging sound and unique tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and the experience you're looking for. If you enjoy a tactile sensation that is lighter but still offers engaging feedback, the Beer switch could be your best choice. Its stepped tactility allows for a distinct feel that is comfortable for prolonged use, making it ideal for typing and casual gaming. The clacky sound further adds an element of joy to your typing experience, evoking a lively atmosphere. On the other hand, if you're after a smoother and more linear typing experience, the HMX EVA switch might be the way to go. It provides a silky-smooth feel without any tactile bump, allowing for a quick and effortless keystroke that many find ideal for gaming and fast typing tasks. Its resonant sound signature also complements the smooth action, adding depth without the sharpness of a clacky switch. Thus, consider your typical usage—if you lean towards typing with feedback and enjoy a lively acoustics, go for the Beer; if you prioritize speed and fluidity, the EVA will serve you well.
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