Gateron Beer vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Beer and the Outemu Brown are both tactile mechanical keyboard switches but offer unique characteristics for different preferences. The Gateron Beer stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green design, lightweight feel, stepped tactility, and characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is known for its tactile feedback without any specific standout features. If you're looking for a switch that is easy to press and produces a satisfying clacky sound, the Gateron Beer may be the right choice for you. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Brown switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to use RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. The similarities in the top housing material of these switches result in similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Beer switch features a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to its sharp and clear sound profile. In contrast, the Brown switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This distinction in bottom housing material affects the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
In summary, while the Gateron Beer and Outemu Brown switches both have polycarbonate top housing, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer switch creates a sharper sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Brown switch produces a deeper sound. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users make an informed choice based on their preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Beer is lighter in both aspects. The Beer requires an actuation force of 38 grams, while the Brown needs 53 grams, making the Beer easier to trigger. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Beer is 50 grams, whereas the Brown is heavier at 65 grams, indicating that the Beer provides a lighter typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel and a bit more resistance may find the Outemu Brown tactile switch to be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference of 0.6 mm may seem minor, but it can have an impact on how the switch feels when typing or gaming. The Beer switch, being shorter, may be preferred by those looking for a faster response time, especially in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Brown switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch provides a distinctive clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, giving a crisp and bright auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound quality is unspecified. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers an easy-to-press experience with minimal force required to activate the key. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Beer switch provides a stepped tactility, offering a more subtle feel compared to other tactile switches. In contrast, information about the feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is not available.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out for its unique characteristics such as a clacky sound signature, easy-to-press actuation, and stepped tactility. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Brown tactile switch is not provided. While the two switches may offer different subjective qualities based on the available information, it's important to consider personal preferences and keyboard setup when choosing between them to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and easy-to-press switch with a distinct clacky sound, then the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be a great choice for you. Its stepped tactility and lower bottom out force of 50 grams make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a medium to heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and a more traditional typing feel, then the Outemu Brown tactile switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, actuation force, and sound profile.
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