Gateron Beer vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches. The Gateron Beer switch stands out with its unique translucent green design, evoking the allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Known for its lightweight feel and stepped tactility, the Beer switch offers a subtle tactile feedback and a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, perfect for those who value both satisfaction and silence while typing. Each switch has its own set of characteristics and benefits to offer, making them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 main difference between the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Silent Grey lies in their bottom housing materials. The Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Grey utilizes a nylon bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials affects the overall typing experience, with the Beer providing a crisper sound while the Silent Grey offers a rounder sound.
In terms of top housing materials, both the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Silent Grey use polycarbonate, creating a similar sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a clear and resonant sound when typing on both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetics of the switches. Therefore, despite any differences in bottom housing materials, the similarities in top housing materials ensure that the overall sound profile will be relatively consistent between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Silent Grey comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and higher-pitched typing experience, while the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Beer or a rounder sound with the Silent Grey, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience of these switches.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch. The Beer requires 38 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Grey needs 50 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out. This means that the Beer switch is lighter overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, making it a better choice for users who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Both switches offer different levels of feedback, so choosing between them depends on personal preference for typing comfort and typing style. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches contribute significantly to the typing experience and feel of a mechanical keyboard.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer offers a shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice among gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Grey provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, with the Beer catering to speed and the Silent Grey offering a more deliberate keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Grey 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
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a distinct and unique typing experience with its lightweight and easy-to-press nature, paired with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Beer switch has a stepped tactility, the Silent Grey switch's feel is not clearly described. If you prefer a crisp and bright clacky sound with easy-to-press switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be the way to go. Alternatively, if you're looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch before making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a lightweight switch with a unique stepped tactility and a clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a pronounced bump and a smooth, silent keystroke, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be more suited to your preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound, and feel to make the best decision for your specific typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct characteristics, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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