Gateron Beer vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer and the TTC Silent Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique features for different preferences. The Gateron Beer, with its translucent green design evocative of a Tsingtao beer bottle, stands out for its refreshingly lightweight build and stepped tactility that provides a subtle feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown boasts a more comfortable typing experience with a light-medium resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile. While the Beer switch is characterized as 'clacky', 'easy-to-press', and 'stepped', the Silent Brown is labeled as 'buttery', 'mild', 'muted', and 'polished'. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the TTC Silent Brown, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in housing materials between the top and bottom housings of the two switches influences the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, the top housings of both the Gateron Beer and the TTC Silent Brown share the same polycarbonate material. This means that the qualities attributed to the polycarbonate top housing, such as a sharper and crisper sound profile, will be consistent between the two switches. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material, with the Beer featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing and the Silent Brown utilizing nylon. This contrast in materials affects the overall sound profile and feel of typing on each switch, with the softer nylon bottom housing of the Silent Brown producing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Beer's stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing.
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the TTC Silent Brown, it is evident that the choice of material for different parts of the switch has a significant impact on the sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing in the Silent Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound. This shows how the combination of housing materials in a switch can influence the overall sound quality and feel when typing. Ultimately, whether one prefers the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Beer or the deeper sound of the nylon bottom housing in the Silent Brown will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Silent Brown's heavier 45 grams. Similarly, the Beer's bottom out force of 50 grams is lighter than the Silent Brown's 63.5 grams, making it the heavier option. The difference in weight between the two switches offers distinct typing experiences. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Beer for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier feel of the Silent Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we see that the Beer has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Brown has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Beer's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Silent Brown's longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying and deliberate keypress for those who prefer deeper switches. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Beer being slightly shorter and the Silent Brown slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance in key switches.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 switch offers a characteristic clacky sound signature, which is sharp and snappy, giving a crisp and bright tone to each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch provides a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Depending on personal preference, the clacky sound of the Beer switch may be more satisfying to some users looking for a more distinct auditory feedback, while others may prefer the quiet and subtle sound of the Silent Brown switch for a more discreet typing experience.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. The stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a subtler feel compared to round tactility switches, offering a responsive and low-impact typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch is described as buttery and mild, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. Additionally, the polished finish of the Silent Brown switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing sensation. Overall, the Beer switch offers a lightweight and easy-to-press experience with a unique stepped tactility, while the Silent Brown switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a smooth and polished feel.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out for its distinct clacky sound signature and easy-to-press, stepped tactility, offering a refreshing typing experience reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch excels in providing a muted sound profile and a comfortable, buttery feel with a polished finish. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron Beer and TTC Silent Brown switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, as both switches provide high-quality tactile experiences with their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Beer tactile switch or the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, think about your preferences and needs. If you enjoy a light actuation force, a stepped tactility, and a clacky sound profile, the Gateron Beer switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium level of resistance, a rounded tactile bump, and a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown switch could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for, whether it be an easy-to-press and clacky feel or a buttery and polished sensation. Keep in mind the bottom out forces of each switch as well, with the Beer being lighter at 50 grams and the Silent Brown being medium-heavy at 63.5 grams. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
