Gateron Beer vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch to the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is clear that each offers unique features that cater to different preferences. The Beer switch stands out for its eye-catching translucent green color inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, as well as its lightweight and stepped tactility which provides a subtle and easy-to-press feel. In contrast, the Silent White switch from Outemu offers a silent operation with no distinct features. While the Beer switch is praised for its clacky sound signature, the Silent White switch remains silent throughout key presses. These differences highlight the diverse options available in the mechanical keyboard switch market. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and Outemu Silent White switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic. This material is especially beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for light to shine through easily. On the other hand, the Silent White switches stand out with their nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper tone of polycarbonate. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from having clear housings, indicating the use of polycarbonate for the top portion. Whether it's the Gateron Beer or the Outemu Silent White, the clear housing serves as a visual indicator of the polycarbonate material that contributes to the switches' unique sound profiles. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material, with the Beer opting for polycarbonate while the Silent White features nylon. This contrast leads to distinct typing experiences, with the Beer offering a crisper keypress sound while the Silent White provides a deeper and more muted tone.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Beer and Outemu Silent White switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the difference in bottom housing material results in varying sound profiles and typing experiences. Whether you prefer the sharper and resonant sound of polycarbonate in the Beer or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Silent White, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Outemu Silent White linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Beer easier to trigger. In terms of bottom out force, the Beer also requires less pressure at 50 grams compared to the Silent White at 60 grams, resulting in a softer typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Gateron Beer switch more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers looking for quick response times. The Beer switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Silent White switch. However, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches is relatively minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the slight variation in 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 White 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 is characterized by its unique stepped tactility, light actuation force, and clacky sound signature, all contributing to a distinct typing experience. The easy-to-press nature of the Beer switch makes it effortless to type on, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White linear switch lacks specific descriptions for sound and feel, making it difficult to directly compare to the Beer switch. However, based on available information, one can expect a more traditional linear feel from the Silent White switch, with a smoother keystroke and potentially a quieter sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer different qualities that cater to individual preferences, with the Gateron Beer providing a more tactile and audible typing experience. Whether you prefer the crisp tactility and clacky sound of the Beer or the smooth and silent operation of the Silent White, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience depending on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a unique, clacky sound profile with a subtle tactile feedback, the Gateron Beer switches may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a smooth, silent typing experience without any tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent White switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feedback in order to enhance your overall typing experience.
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