Gateron Beer vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Milk Blue 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 and the Outemu Milk Blue. The Gateron Beer is a tactile switch that stands out with its translucent green appearance, reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Known for its lightweight and stepped tactility, the Beer offers a unique typing experience with a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch that lacks a specific standout feature but delivers a satisfying clicky feedback with each keystroke. While the Beer is praised for being easy-to-press and providing a subtle tactile feel, the Milk Blue offers a traditional clicky typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Both the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Milk Blue feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is perfect for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. With both switches sharing this material for the top housing, users can expect similar sound and feel characteristics in this aspect.
Where the two switches differ is in the material used for the bottom housing. The Gateron Beer utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Outemu Milk Blue features a nylon bottom housing. This contrast in materials leads to different sound profiles when typing. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Beer produces a sharper sound, while the nylon bottom housing in the Milk Blue creates a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on typing experience, it becomes clear that the qualities of each material are felt differently throughout the keystroke. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. By understanding how these materials interact within the switch design, users can better appreciate the nuanced differences in sound and feel between switches like the Gateron Beer and Outemu Milk Blue.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that the Beer is the lighter option with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Milk Blue is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 50 grams, though the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Beer switch for longer periods of use, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Milk Blue switch for a stronger push experience. While the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, selecting either option based on desired weight can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. The Beer switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch with its longer travel distance provides a more substantial keypress depth, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
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 Milk Blue 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 is known for its characteristic clacky noise, providing a sharp and snappy sound signature that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's sound quality is unknown. However, it is important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for being easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Beer switch features a stepped tactility, providing a more subtle tactile experience with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel stages. As for the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, information regarding its feel is not available.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out for its unique translucent green design, lightweight feel, characteristic clacky sound, and stepped tactility, offering a refreshing and effervescent typing experience. While information on the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is lacking, it's important to note that both switches may produce similar results in sound and feel depending on the surrounding factors such as keyboard build and keycaps chosen. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Beer and Outemu Milk Blue switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one is looking to achieve.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, consider your preference for a lighter bottom out force and a subtle tactile feel with a clacky sound signature. If you value a refreshing typing experience with minimal finger fatigue and a distinctive clicky sound, the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a different bottom out force and sound profile, the Outemu Milk Blue switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and desired typing experience.
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