Gateron Beer vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Silent Green offer unique characteristics suited for different preferences. The Gateron Beer is a tactile switch known for its sparkling allure and lightweight, refreshingly tactile experience. With a stepped tactility and characteristic clacky sound, the Beer switch provides a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is a linear switch that is best known for its silent operation. While the Silent Green may lack the tactile feedback of the Beer, it offers a smooth and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Polycarbonate
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and Outemu Silent Green switches, it is clear that both feature a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. This means that the switches will share similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. Both switches will offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the relatively stiffer polycarbonate plastic used in their construction. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing element to the overall design.
However, while the housing materials are the same for both switches, the distribution of the qualities brought by polycarbonate may differ between the top and bottom housings. In the Gateron Beer switch, the bottom housing will have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will impact the sound when releasing a key. On the other hand, in the Outemu Silent Green switch, the qualities of the polycarbonate top and bottom housings may be more evenly distributed, affecting both the press and release sound profiles in a balanced manner.
Ultimately, the similarity in housing materials for the Gateron Beer and Outemu Silent Green switches ensures that users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetics from both options. The choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound characteristics influenced by the distribution of the polycarbonate qualities in the top and bottom housings. Whether opting for the Gateron Beer or Outemu Silent Green, users can enjoy the benefits of polycarbonate housing in creating a distinctive and pleasing typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that the Beer switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Silent Green switch. The Beer switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Green switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Beer switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Green switch provides a slightly heavier push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for the level of force required for typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Green switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Beer switch. The Beer switch falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch provides a deeper keypress feel due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between a shorter or longer travel distance depends on personal preference and typing habits. Both switches offer distinct advantages, with the Beer switch emphasizing speed and the Silent Green switch prioritizing a more substantial keypress feel.
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 Silent Green 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its distinct clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound adds to the overall typing experience and provides a certain level of auditory feedback to the user. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is not specified, so it's unclear how it compares to the clacky sound of the Beer switch. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout, keycap material, and overall build quality.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the Beer switch features a stepped tactility, providing a subtler feel compared to other tactile switches. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent Green switch is not specified, so it's unclear how it compares in terms of ease of pressing and overall typing experience.
Overall, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a unique clacky sound signature and a lightweight, easy-to-press feel, the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you're interested in a linear switch like the Outemu Silent Green but need more information on its sound and feel characteristics, further research or testing may be necessary to determine which switch best suits your preferences and typing style. Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a unique tactile experience with a lighter bottom out force and a characteristic clacky sound, then the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a linear switch without any specific sound or feel characteristics mentioned, then the Outemu Silent Green linear switch could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel. It is essential to consider these factors when selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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