Gateron Beer vs. TTC Flaming Purple

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Gateron Beer and the TTC Flaming Purple. The Gateron Beer is a tactile switch that evokes the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle with its mesmerizing translucent green color. Known for its refreshingly lightweight feel and stepped tactility, the Beer offers a subtler tactile experience compared to other switches, accompanied by a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple stands out as a linear switch with a resonant character and a slightly bassier sound signature. With a feathery feel and a low bottom-out force of just 47g, the Flaming Purple provides a swift and effortless typing experience for enthusiasts and daily typists alike. Each switch offers unique features and benefits, making them appealing options for different 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

Gateron Beer Tactile

TTC Flaming Purple Linear

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

$8.30

$4.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Beer and the TTC Flaming Purple both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which means they will both produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which creates a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. On the other hand, the Beer utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing while the Flaming Purple uses a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material in the Flaming Purple provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing, which emphasizes clarity and resonance.

In terms of sound and feel, the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles. The bottom housing, whether it be polycarbonate in the Beer or nylon in the Flaming Purple, has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The softer nature of the nylon in the Flaming Purple absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the top housing material, which is polycarbonate in both switches, will influence the sound when a key is released. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a more crisp and resonant sound upon key release.

Overall, while both the Gateron Beer and the TTC Flaming Purple share a polycarbonate top housing and offer similar sound profiles in that regard, the difference in their bottom housing materials introduces variations in sound and feel. The Beer emphasizes a clearer and sharper sound due to its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Flaming Purple provides a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Beer or a fuller sound with the Flaming Purple.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is clear that both switches are relatively light in comparison to others on the market. The Gateron Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Flaming Purple's 42 grams, while the bottom out force of the Beer is slightly heavier at 50 grams compared to the Flaming Purple's 47 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for extended periods of typing or gaming. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may opt for switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. In this case, both the Beer and Flaming Purple switches offer a light and comfortable typing experience for users.

Travel distance

The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Flaming Purple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Beer to be more abrupt and prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Flaming Purple for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness and key press depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its clacky sound signature, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a bassy and resonant sound profile, leaning towards the lower end of the frequency spectrum with a touch of poppy undertones, making each keystroke engaging and immersive. The sound characteristics of these switches cater to different preferences, with the Beer providing a distinct clacky sound and the Flaming Purple offering a more bass-heavy and resonant experience.

Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature and stepped tactility, providing a gentle resistance during key presses with minimal force required to activate. This lightweight and responsive feel enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and offering a low-impact typing feel. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring little exertion from the fingers and offering a smooth typing experience. The light actuation force of the Flaming Purple switch makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions, catering to enthusiasts and daily typists alike.

Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer provides a clacky sound with easy-to-press and stepped tactility, while the Flaming Purple offers a bassy and resonant sound profile with a feathery and smooth typing feel. Depending on individual preference for sound and typing experience, both switches cater to different needs and preferences, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable typing experience for users. Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron Beer and TTC Flaming Purple switches will depend on the user's desired auditory and tactile experience, with both options promising satisfying results based on their respective qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force and enjoy a unique, clacky sound profile with a stepped tactility, the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and appreciate a resonant, bassier sound with a feathery feel for swift typing, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing style to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Beer Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

Learn more

TTC Flaming Purple Linear

$8.30

$4.30 per 10

Learn more