Gateron Beer vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can drastically influence your typing experience, and two intriguing options are the Gateron Beer and the HMX Macchiato. The Gateron Beer, with its distinct tactile feel and clacky sound signature, embodies a refreshing typing experience reminiscent of the effervescence of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Its lightweight design and stepped tactility provide a unique feedback that is subtler than traditional rounded tactile switches, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a lively, responsive touch. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, offers a smooth, linear feedback that emphasizes a tranquil typing experience with minimal resistance. Its bright sound profile elevates the overall experience for users who prefer a quieter yet fluid stroke. While both switches present unique advantages—such as the Beer’s engaging tactility and the Macchiato’s effortless smoothness—personal preference plays a critical role in your decision. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and HMX Macchiato switches present a fascinating contrast that highlights their distinct acoustic properties. The Gateron Beer utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile characterized by a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp quality. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which amplifies resonance. Additionally, the clear finish of polycarbonate serves an aesthetic purpose, particularly for RGB lighting, enhancing visual effects as the light passes through the transparent housing. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato opts for nylon for both top and bottom housings, echoing a classic choice that imparts a warmer, rounder sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more efficiently, leading to a muted auditory experience that appeals to those who favor a deeper tonal quality.
When examining how these materials affect the performance of each switch, it becomes evident that the tonal characteristics manifest differently during typing. The Gateron Beer’s polycarbonate materials will produce a prominent, resonant sound upon both pressing and releasing a key, with the sharpness being particularly noticeable when letting go of a key due to the clear, rigid top housing. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato's nylon provides a more subdued sound during both actions. The deeper and fuller notes that emanate from the nylon construction stand in stark contrast to the Beer's crisp sounds, catering to different user preferences for auditory feedback when typing.
Despite these differences in material composition, if one were to combine both designs into a single mechanical switch, the coexistence of these materials could yield an interesting hybrid switch. The tonal qualities would be split between the nylon and polycarbonate, allowing for a unique sound profile that encompasses both the sharp clarity of polycarbonate during key release and the rich depth of nylon when the switch is bottomed out. Ultimately, whether one prefers the resonant and clear sound of polycarbonate or the warm and full experience of nylon, understanding the impacts of these materials on key actions can guide users towards their perfect typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, both switches exhibit relatively light weights, making them suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. The Gateron Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the HMX Macchiato requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams, but shares the same bottom out force of 50 grams as the Beer. This means that although both switches bottom out with equal force, the Macchiato's actuation force is heavier, resulting in a slightly more substantial typing feel compared to the lighter Beer switch. As a result, those who enjoy a lighter switch for comfortable, extended typing or long gaming sessions might gravitate towards the Gateron Beer, whereas those who prefer a firmer actuation will find the HMX Macchiato more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, it’s clear that they differ significantly. The Beer switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Macchiato switch offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction can influence user experience; for those who prioritize quick response times, the shorter travel of the Beer may be preferable. Conversely, the Macchiato’s 4 mm travel distance caters to users who appreciate a more substantial and deliberate keystroke feel. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate which switch is more suitable, with the Beer providing a more responsive feel and the Macchiato delivering a hearty depth in each keystroke.
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 Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato for $2.99.
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 shines with a distinct clacky profile that delivers a sharp and percussive auditory feedback upon key presses. This sound signature adds a certain character to typing, making it feel more engaging and dynamic. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato switch provides a bright sound profile, although specific descriptors for the Macchiato’s sound are not provided. It's important to acknowledge that the sound experience can differ based on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, meaning both switches could contribute to a lively typographical atmosphere, albeit with potentially differing levels of intensity.
In terms of feel, the Beer switch offers a unique typing experience through its lightweight and easy-to-press nature. The gentle resistance of the Beer switch makes it exceptionally comfortable for long typing sessions, while the stepped tactility provides a nuanced feedback that is more subtle than the continuous bumps found in other tactile switches. Unfortunately, specific qualities regarding the feel of the Macchiato switch remain unknown, leaving a gap in direct comparison. That said, one can generally expect linear switches like the Macchiato to offer a uniform and smooth keystroke, distinct from the tactile bumps of the Beer.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by its clacky sound, lightweight feel, and stepped tactility, making it an appealing option for those seeking an engaging typing experience. Meanwhile, although the HMX Macchiato linear switch boasts a silky smooth experience and a bright sound profile, specific feel characteristics are unclear. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Beer emphasizing tactile feedback and auditory engagement, while the Macchiato prioritizes smoothness and consistency. Ultimately, those who appreciate varied auditory and tactile experiences will find distinct qualities in both switches, making their selection a matter of personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prioritize. If you prefer a light actuation with a tactile feel that incorporates a gentle but noticeable bump during your keystrokes, the Beer switch is an excellent choice. Its unique stepped tactility combined with a clacky sound signature can enhance your enjoyment, especially for casual typing or gaming where a tactile response is appreciated. On the other hand, if you value a seamless and smooth typing experience with a lighter touch and are looking for something that produces a bright sound profile without the tactile bump, then the Macchiato linear switch is likely more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you resonate more with the tactile feedback of the Beer or the fluidity of the Macchiato.
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