Gateron Beer vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the TTC Gold Brown both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Beer stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green color reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, while also providing a light and smooth typing experience with its stepped tactility. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown offers a more balanced typing feel with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. While the Beer switch is described as 'clacky' and 'easy-to-press', the Gold Brown switch is categorized as 'buttery' and 'polished'. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the TTC Gold Brown lies in the bottom housing. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, the Beer has a polycarbonate bottom housing, whereas the Gold Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This means that when typing on the Beer, users may experience a sharper sound when bottoming out keys, whereas typing on the Gold Brown may offer a more muted and rounder sound.
In terms of the top housing, both the Gateron Beer and the TTC Gold Brown feature polycarbonate materials. This means that users can expect a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile when pressing down and releasing keys on either switch. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches also allows for the translucency needed for RGB lighting, making them visually appealing options for those looking to customize their keyboards. However, despite the shared top housing material, the difference in the bottom housing of each switch will still impact the overall sound and feel experienced by users while typing.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the TTC Gold Brown ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches offer the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a different typing experience compared to the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound will influence your decision between these two switches. Additionally, consider how the housing materials will interact with your key presses to determine which switch suits your typing style best.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Similarly, the Gateron Beer has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the TTC Gold Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that the Gateron Beer switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch would be ideal for those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches provide different tactile feedback based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Gold Brown provides a deeper keypress feel with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer tactile feedback, but the choice between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 offers a characteristic clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch presents a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate sound level suitable for various environments. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that may appeal to different preferences, with the Beer switch delivering a more pronounced and percussive sound compared to the Gold Brown switch.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a low-impact typing experience. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a unique sensation with two stages of key press feedback. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown switch is described as mild and buttery, offering a gentle typing experience that is smooth and uniform. The Gold Brown switch also features an accented tactility and polished finish, providing a comfortable and refined typing feel.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch presents a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, while the Gold Brown switch offers a neutral sound profile, mild and buttery feel, accented tactility, and polished finish. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches have their unique characteristics that may cater to different user needs. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound and feel characteristics. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a clacky sound with a stepped tactility, the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more balanced, buttery feel with an accented tactility, the TTC Gold Brown switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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