Gateron Beer vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the TTC Neptune, a linear switch. The Beer switch stands out with its translucent green color reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, offering a unique and eye-catching design. Known for its lightness and stepped tactility, the Beer switch provides a subtle tactile feedback and a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Neptune switch showcases an innovative internal structure that sets it apart in the switch landscape. It offers a smooth, frictionless glide combined with a springy resistance, creating a "matte" feel that is both buttery and gummy. The Neptune's ultralight design enables swift typing while maintaining a muted sound signature for a refined typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities and advantages depending on personal preferences and typing style. 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
41g
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
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and TTC Neptune both feature top housings made of different materials, with the Beer using polycarbonate and the Neptune using POM. The polycarbonate top housing of the Beer creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more resonant sound. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Neptune produces a deeper and more muted sound, catering to individuals looking for a unique sound experience. While the materials differ in sound profile, they both offer aesthetic benefits, with polycarbonate being translucent and ideal for RGB lighting, while POM provides a sleek and modern look.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Beer and Neptune utilize polycarbonate. This material choice in the bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Additionally, the stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate in the bottom housing also allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. While the top and bottom housings of the Beer and Neptune are made of the same material, the impact of each housing on the sound profile may vary, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the Gateron Beer and TTC Neptune switches plays a significant role in shaping their sound profiles and overall aesthetics. While the Beer's polycarbonate top and bottom housings emphasize sharp and high-pitched sounds, the Neptune's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their bottom housings, maintaining a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with the Beer or a deeper tone with the Neptune, the housing materials of these switches offer users a variety of options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch have some similarities and differences. The Gateron Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Neptune's 41 grams, making the Beer easier to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a consistent resistance when pressing all the way down. The lighter actuation force of the Beer may be preferred for long typing sessions or gaming, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the Neptune may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Neptune has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Beer for rapid keystrokes. However, some users may find the longer travel distance of the Neptune to provide a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key response.
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 Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 produces a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, adding a distinct audible element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch offers a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow, providing a quieter and more refined auditory ambiance. While the Beer switch emphasizes a more pronounced and lively sound profile, the Neptune switch focuses on a calmer and more understated sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press with a stepped tactility, offering a light and gentle typing experience that is effortless and low-impact. In contrast, the TTC Neptune linear switch boasts a buttery and frictionless feel that provides a smooth, uniform, and almost gummy sensation during keystrokes. While the Beer switch aims for a responsive and subtly tactile feel, the Neptune switch emphasizes a seamless and polished typing experience that minimizes any sense of resistance.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch delivers a more lively and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and stepped tactile feel, while the Neptune switch provides a more subdued and muted sound with a buttery and frictionless typing sensation. Depending on personal preference, one can choose between the more pronounced and tactile experience of the Beer switch or the smoother and polished feel of the Neptune switch. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a tailored mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers seeking variety in their switch selection.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when it comes to choosing between Gateron Beer tactile switches and TTC Neptune linear switches, it ultimately boils down to your preference in typing experience. If you prefer a light, clacky switch with a stepped tactility and characteristic sound signature, then the Gateron Beer switches would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smooth, almost frictionless typing experience with a unique "matte" feel and a muted sound signature, the TTC Neptune switches would be the better choice for you. Consider your typing habits, desired sound profile, and overall feel preference to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
