Gateron Beer vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, preferences can often be as varied as the individuals who use them. The Gateron Beer switch is a tactile option best known for its lightweight design and stepped tactility, reminiscent of the refreshing experience of savoring a Tsingtao beer. Its distinct clacky sound and easy-to-press nature make it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switch is a linear switch that has made a triumphant return in the MX2A generation, offering a smooth keystroke that caters to users who favor a seamless typing experience over tactile feedback. While the MX Orange prioritizes fluidity and a quieter operation, the Gateron Beer excels in providing a more engaging audible and tactile response. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the invigorating feedback of the Beer switch or the silky efficiency of the Orange switch; 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
N/A
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
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
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and Cherry MX Orange switches reveal significant differences that affect both their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Gateron Beer employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound signature characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper acoustic profile. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature allows it to produce a more resonant and clear sound, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings, which generates a deeper, fuller sound. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound waves differently, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Gateron Beer presents a bright and articulate sound profile, the Cherry MX Orange emphasizes warmth and richness.
The impact of the housing material on the tactile feedback is also significant. With the Gateron Beer’s polycarbonate construction, users can expect a more pronounced and responsive feel when pressing down on the keys, which complements its higher-pitched sound. In contrast, the MX Orange’s nylon housings provide a cushier and softer feel, making typing a more muted experience. This difference means that the user’s experience during key presses and releases will vary based on the unique qualities of the materials used. When bottoming out on the Cherry MX Orange, the soft nylon mitigates harsh impacts, while the firmer polycarbonate of the Gateron Beer accentuates the feeling of each keystroke’s return.
Ultimately, the choice of materials in switch housings not only dictates the acoustic characteristics but also influences user experience through tactile feedback. For users seeking a bright and clear sound with immediate responsiveness, the Gateron Beer with its polycarbonate housing fits the bill. Those preferring a deeper, more rounded sound with softer feedback would likely favor the Cherry MX Orange with its nylon construction. If one were to mix these two designs, the auditory experience could be a blend of the two materials, leading to a hybrid sound profile that captures elements from both. In this way, the differing properties of polycarbonate and nylon offer unique yet complementary results in keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch to the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we see a clear difference in actuation force. The Gateron Beer requires only 38 grams of force to actuate, making it a lighter option that is advantageous for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, which gives it a more substantial feel, catering to those who prefer a stronger push. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess how it compares in that aspect. The Beer switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a certain amount of resistance when bottoming out. Overall, for users seeking a lighter switch, the Gateron Beer is the preferable choice, whereas those who value a heavier tactile experience may lean toward the Cherry MX Orange, assuming the bottom out force aligns appropriately with their preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. In this comparison, the Beer switch presents a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times and a more immediate tactile feedback. Conversely, the MX Orange, with its longer travel distance, caters to users who appreciate a more substantial feel with each keystroke, providing a deeper and more pronounced pressing experience. While both serve distinct preferences, the Gateron Beer will likely offer a more responsive experience for those who favor quicker key activation, while the Cherry MX Orange will appeal to users who prefer a fuller keypress sensation.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 does stand out with its distinctive clacky sound signature. This type of acoustics produces a sharp, crisp, and bright noise upon actuation, giving a lively auditory feedback that many keyboard enthusiasts appreciate. In contrast, details on the sound profile of the Cherry MX Orange are not specified, leaving it open to interpretation. However, given Cherry's reputation for creating more subdued and refined sounds in their linear switches, one might expect a quieter and less percussive response compared to the Beer.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switch is characterized by an easy-to-press mechanism that is gentle to the touch, requiring minimal force for actuation. This results in a comfortable typing experience, particularly beneficial for extended sessions, while the stepped tactility adds a subtle transition in feel that differentiates it from more pronounced tactile feedback. Unfortunately, no specific information is available regarding the feel of the Cherry MX Orange switch, which leaves its performance in this area unknown. It’s possible, however, that it may offer a smoother linear actuation experience without the tactile bump that the Beer contains.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch presents a lively auditory experience coupled with a lightweight and comfortable tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more playful typing experience. While the Cherry MX Orange's sound and feel characteristics remain unspecified, one might anticipate a more restrained profile befitting a linear switch. Both switches offer unique qualities, and while their performances may differ, they cater to distinct preferences among keyboard users.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and overall keyboard experience. If you appreciate a light actuation force combined with tactile feedback, making every key press feel effortless and fun, then the Gateron Beer switch is an excellent choice. Its distinct clacky sound and stepped tactility can enhance your typing experience, providing a refreshing and engaging feedback that keeps workouts lively—perfect for casual typing, gaming, or even day-to-day tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile bump, the Cherry MX Orange linear switch would suit you better; it’s ideal for those who plan to do a lot of fast-paced gaming or typing that requires constant smooth transitions without interruption. Ultimately, the Gateron Beer is for those who enjoy tactile sensations and a bit of auditory feedback, while the Cherry MX Orange is perfect for a seamless, linear experience.
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