Gateron Beer vs. HMX FJ400
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX FJ400 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and the HMX FJ400 present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, stands out with its vibrant translucent green design that captures the essence of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Its lightweight feel and unique stepped tactility provide a subtle tactile response, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a clear indication of key actuation without a pronounced bump. Coupled with its clacky sound profile, this switch appeals to typists looking for a playful yet responsive experience. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 is a linear switch that offers a smooth, unbroken keystroke ideal for gamers and fast typists seeking quick and fluid key presses. Its balanced sound profile ensures a quieter environment, making it suitable for both gaming and office settings. While the Beer is great for those who appreciate tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction, the FJ400 caters to those who prefer a seamless and quieter operation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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 Gateron Beer switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature allows for increased resonance, making the sound clearer and more pronounced; this is particularly advantageous when using RGB lighting, as the translucency of the material enhances illumination. In contrast, the HMX FJ400’s top housing is made of POM (polyoxymethylene), known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials have distinct sound characteristics, the POM housing tends to absorb sound due to its softer composition, resulting in less of the brilliance that polycarbonate typically offers.
Examining the bottom housings reveals more differences between the two switches. The Gateron Beer’s bottom housing is also crafted from polycarbonate, echoing the sound clarity and resonance offered by the top housing, which creates a consistent and coherent sound profile throughout the switch. Meanwhile, the FJ400 employs a nylon bottom housing, which is historically recognized for delivering a deeper and more rounded sound. Nylon's inherent softness means it absorbs more sound, leading to a distinct bottom-out sound compared to the sharper impact of the Beer’s polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches aim for a satisfying auditory experience, their material choices result in pronounced differentiation in sound profiles.
Combining the above characteristics leads to a nuanced understanding of how these switches ultimately perform under pressure. The Gateron Beer switch’s use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings offers a unified sound signature that emphasizes clarity and resonance from both the press-down and release sounds. In contrast, although the HMX FJ400 has different materials that impact the sound profile, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing dampens the sound, creating a balanced yet muted acoustic experience. Consequently, while both switches offer interesting and enjoyable results, the auditory outcomes will be shaped by the distinct material combinations employed in their construction, leading to divergent user experiences despite the shared intent of providing delightful feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite notable. The Gateron Beer features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a great option for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. While both switches serve different preferences, the Gateron Beer is favored for its lighter touch, whereas the HMX FJ400 provides a more robust push, suitable for users seeking a stronger tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with the Gateron Beer being more suitable for prolonged use and the FJ400 offering a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Gateron Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX FJ400 features a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Beer switch the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times due to the reduced distance required for actuation. On the other hand, the FJ400, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a deeper typing experience, aligning with a traditional preference for greater responsiveness without feeling too abrupt. Hence, one’s choice between these two switches will largely depend on whether they prioritize speed or a more grounded typing sensation.
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 FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 for $3.29.
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 has a distinct clackiness, characterized by a sharp and percussive sound that is bright and crisp during key presses. This clacky sound is reminiscent of the effervescence associated with its namesake beverage, making each keystroke a noteworthy auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 linear switch is reported to have a balanced sound profile, although specific descriptors of its sound characteristics have not been provided. Nonetheless, it stands to reason that, when compared to the Beer switch, the FJ400 might deliver a subtler auditory presence without the pronounced clackiness, which could be more suited to a quieter environment.
Regarding the feel of each switch, the Beer switch is designed to provide an easy-to-press experience, featuring a lightweight actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue, making it highly comfortable for extended typing sessions. The stepped tactility of the Beer means that users experience a gentle transition through its tactile bump, allowing for a more refined sensation compared to a fully rounded switch. Unfortunately, details about the tactile characteristics and the feel of the HMX FJ400 linear switch are lacking, preventing a direct evaluation. However, linear switches are typically known for their smooth keystroke without tactile bumps, suggesting a fundamentally different typing experience from the tactile Beer switch.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a lively auditory and tactile experience with its clacky sound and stepped feel, the HMX FJ400 linear switch appears to promise a more subdued sound profile and a smoother keystroke experience, although specifics on its texture are unavailable. Therefore, your ultimate choice between these two will depend on whether you prefer the engaging feedback and sound of the Beer switch or the quieter, smoother action associated with the FJ400, with the potential for a more harmonious typing experience in different settings.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits will play a pivotal role. If you enjoy a lighter typing experience that is not only comfortable but also features a distinctive clacky sound signature, the Beer switch may be your ideal choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it effortlessly easy to press, which is great for long typing sessions or if you enjoy fast-paced gaming. The stepped tactility of the Beer adds an engaging sensation that can make each keystroke feel distinct and satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and consistent feel, the FJ400 linear switch is designed with you in mind. Its medium 58-gram actuation force provides a satisfying resistance that many users find preferable for focused typing or gaming, where precision is key. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on whether you value a tactile experience with character and lightness or a smooth and steady linear feel that maintains control.
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