Gateron Beer vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it's important to consider their unique characteristics. The Gateron Beer switch is known for its translucent green design, lightweight feel, and stepped tactility, offering a subtle tactile sensation and a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch is praised for its rapid responsiveness, shortened travel distance, smooth keystrokes, and resonant sound signature. While the Gateron Beer switch is easy to press and offers a unique clacky feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch provides a polished, thocky, low-pitched experience with a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the TTC Gold Silver use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes both switches ideal for users who prioritize sound quality and enjoy a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the switches.
Where the Gateron Beer differs from the TTC Gold Silver is in the bottom housing material. While the Beer also uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, the Gold Silver utilizes nylon. This distinction leads to a variation in sound profile, with the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Silver producing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Beer. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Gold Silver.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the TTC Gold Silver will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Beer will provide a more consistent and clear typing experience throughout, with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings contributing to a sharp and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Silver offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, providing a more muffled and rounder typing experience. Both switches are great options for those looking to customize their keyboard with unique sound profiles and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it is evident that their actuation and bottom out forces differ. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gold Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The Beer switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Gold Silver switch may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of a switch play a crucial role in determining the typing experience, with lighter options being better for extended typing sessions and heavier options providing a more robust feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, we see that the Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Gold Silver switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. If you prefer a quicker, more responsive keypress, the Beer switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a slightly more substantial keypress with a bit more depth, the Gold Silver switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for keypress feel and responsiveness.
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 Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 offers a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive effect. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying, with a low-pitched and neutral profile. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, so keep that in mind when choosing between the two.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and stepped, providing gentle resistance and a subtle two-stage tactile feel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offers a polished and silky smooth typing experience, with a mild and subtle touch that is approachable and enjoyable for most users. Both switches offer a unique feel that caters to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and TTC Gold Silver linear switch each bring their own set of characteristics to the table. While the Beer switch offers a more lightweight and clacky typing experience, the Gold Silver switch provides a solid and responsive keystroke with a thocky sound. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, you can expect a satisfying and high-quality typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with unique stepped tactility and a characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you value rapid responsiveness, smooth key travel, and a precise bottom-out with a thocky and low-pitched sound, the TTC Gold Silver is likely to be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to what kind of typing experience you are seeking, be it light and clacky or precise and smooth. Choose wisely based on your preferences and enjoy the satisfying feel and sound of your mechanical keyboard.
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