Gateron Beer vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Beer and the Cherry MX Brown mechanical keyboard switches for your setup, there are a few key differences to consider. The Gateron Beer switch stands out with its translucent green design reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, offering a unique visual appeal. With a lightweight feel and a stepped tactility, it provides a distinctive typing experience with a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch prides itself on subtlety, offering a gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback for a more understated typing experience. While the Gateron Beer switch is known for being easy to press and producing a clacky sound, the Cherry MX Brown switch is characterized by its textured feel and low-pitched sound. 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
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, the key difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Cherry MX Brown switches lies in the type of plastic used. The Beer switches feature a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. On the other hand, the MX Brown switches use nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate housing of the Gateron Beer switches allows for a translucency that is especially useful for showcasing RGB lighting effects. This gives the switches a modern and futuristic look, making them a popular choice among gamers and enthusiasts who value customizable lighting setups. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Cherry MX Brown switches offers a classic and timeless appearance that appeals to users looking for a more traditional and understated design.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and Cherry MX Brown switches offer different sound profiles and aesthetic qualities, both switches ultimately provide a high-quality typing experience. The choice between polycarbonate and nylon housing will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and appearance. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches are known for their durability and reliability in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Beer switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the MX Brown switch. The Beer switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the MX Brown switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The lighter force of the Beer switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the slightly heavier force of the MX Brown switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm compared to the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, which has a longer travel distance of 4mm. The Beer switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for gamers seeking faster reactions. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for either a quick and responsive key press or a more robust and deliberate typing experience.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 known for its distinctive clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deeper and richer tone during key presses. While both switches provide different audio experiences, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall sound profile desired for your keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a light typing experience with minimal force required to activate the switch. This enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a more subtle tactile bump, allowing for a smoother keystroke. Conversely, the Cherry MX Brown switch is noted for its textured feel, which may offer a bit more friction compared to the smoother sensation of the Beer switch. Again, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, while the MX Brown switch offers a bassy sound and textured feel. Ultimately, both switches are popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, and selecting between them will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience. Whether you choose the Gateron Beer or the Cherry MX Brown, you can expect a satisfying tactile typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound with a stepped tactile feel, then the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you want a slightly heavier bottom out force, a bassy sound profile, and a smoother typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch for your typing experience.
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