Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a linear switch, offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Beer switch, with its mesmerizing translucent green design, evokes the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle. It is known for its refreshingly lightweight feel and stepped tactility, providing a subtle tactile experience with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is favored for its silenced operation, making it ideal for quieter environments. It offers a cushy bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, providing a silky and muted typing experience. While the Beer switch is 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped', the Silent Ink Black switch is 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing requirements when choosing between the two switches. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Beer features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While the materials differ, both switches aim to provide a distinct sound experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of aesthetics, the Gateron Beer's polycarbonate top housing stands out for its translucency, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. The clear housing allows the lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the keyboard. In comparison, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing may not offer the same level of transparency, but it still provides a unique look and feel. The choice between polycarbonate and INK blend materials ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired aesthetic outcome.
When it comes to the performance of the switches, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback experienced while typing. The stiffer polycarbonate material in the Beer switch may result in a clearer and more resonant sound, while the INK blend in the Silent Ink Black offers a different type of sound that is characterized as clacky. While the overall typing experience may differ between the two switches due to the housing materials, both options provide quality and satisfaction for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in weight. The Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. For those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing, the Silent Black Ink switch would be the preferred option. In terms of weight, the Beer switch is lighter, while the Silent Ink Black switch is heavier, offering users the ability to choose based on their preference for typing force. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, with the lighter Beer switch catering to those who prefer extended typing sessions and the heavier Silent Ink Black switch providing a more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers who need fast reactions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a more substantial depth when pressed, catering to those who prefer a more tactile feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Beer being shorter and the Silent Ink Black being longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 produces a distinctive clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted sound profile that is softer and quieter, ideal for environments where noise needs to be minimized. The choice between the two will depend on your preference for a more clicky and pronounced sound with the Beer switch, or a quieter and more subdued typing experience with the Silent Ink Black switch.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by an easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle resistance during key presses. It also features a stepped tactility that provides a subtle and unique typing experience with stages of pre-travel and post-travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience with a pillow-like bottom-out feel, providing a cushioned and comfortable sensation when typing. Additionally, the polished finish of the Silent Ink Black switch reduces friction and enhances key travel for a refined typing experience.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a loud and tactile typing experience, the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be the preferred choice. However, if you value a quieter and smooth typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Regardless of your choice, both switches are sure to provide a premium typing experience that aligns with the high standards of Gateron switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the characteristics of each switch to determine which would best suit your preferences and needs. If you prefer a lighter actuation force, stepped tactility, and a clacky sound signature, the Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a medium-heavy bottom out force, a cushiony bottom-out feel, and a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as sound, feel, and the type of typing environment you will be using the keyboard in. Consider these aspects carefully to ensure a satisfying typing experience with your mechanical keyboard.
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