Gateron Beer vs. Bsun Hutt
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Hutt switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Hutt, both tactile switches. The Gateron Beer stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green color inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, offering a refreshing and lightweight typing experience with a stepped tactility that provides a subtle feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt features a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump, delivering a distinctive and enjoyable typing experience with a balanced sound profile. While the Beer is known for its clacky sound signature and ease of pressing, the Hutt is praised for its snappy and invigorating feel. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
49g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Bsun Hutt both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt's nylon bottom housing offers a different experience, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature helps absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to those looking for a different typing experience.
While the top housings of both the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Hutt are made of polycarbonate, providing similar sharp and crisp sound profiles, their bottom housings differ significantly. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the clear and resonant sound characteristics associated with polycarbonate, while also contributing to the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Hutt's nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing feel, with a deeper and fuller sound that comes from the softer nature of nylon. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, creating a distinct typing experience for users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Hutt may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the Beer offers a consistent experience with its polycarbonate bottom housing. On the other hand, the Hutt provides a different typing experience with its nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer the resonant sound of polycarbonate or the absorbing qualities of nylon, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch have similar actuation forces, with the Beer having an actuation force of 38 grams and the Hutt having an actuation force of 40 grams. Both of these actuation forces are considered light, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Beer requires 50 grams while the Hutt requires 49 grams, making the Hutt slightly lighter in terms of bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches would provide similar results. For users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Beer would be the lighter option compared to the Hutt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within a range that is considered relatively short compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may favor the shorter travel distance of the Beer switch for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Hutt switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the typing experience that is desired.
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 Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 famous for its clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offers a resonant sound profile, characterized by a higher-pitched and clean sound. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is lauded for being easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. Additionally, it features a stepped tactility, providing a more subtle tactile feel compared to other switches. In contrast, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is described as snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented, offering pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force. The Hutt switch's typing experience feels alive and immersive, with a prominent tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keystroke.
Overall, while the Gateron Beer and Bsun Hutt tactile switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they both provide an enjoyable typing experience for users. The Beer switch's clacky sound and easy-to-press feel may appeal to those seeking a light and refreshing typing experience, while the Hutt switch's resonant sound and sharp tactile feedback cater to individuals looking for a more immersive and responsive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a switch that offers a subtle, stepped tactility with a characteristic clacky sound signature, then the Gateron Beer switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy spring with a prominent tactile bump and a balanced sound profile that provides an invigorating typing sensation, then the Bsun Hutt switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific typing experience you are looking for.