Gateron Beer vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options come to mind: the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the HMX Swift, a linear switch. The Beer from Gateron catches the eye with its translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, offering a unique aesthetic appeal. Known for its lightweight and subtle tactility, the Beer switch provides a refreshing typing experience with a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deep sound profile and silky smooth feel, thanks to the full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. Both switches are easy to press and offer a satisfying typing experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the HMX Swift, it is evident that the Beer uses polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, while the Swift utilizes nylon for both components. The polycarbonate top housing of the Beer creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Swift produces a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the Beer provides a crisper and more resonant sound compared to the duller and rounder sound of the nylon in the Swift.
The differences in the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the HMX Swift affect the overall typing experience. The split qualities of the housing materials impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing playing a more significant role in this aspect. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer contributes to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Swift results in a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. This split in housing materials highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housing in determining the overall sound profile and typing sensation of a switch.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the HMX Swift offer distinct characteristics, they also share similarities in terms of their impact on sound profiles. Both switches have clear housings, with polycarbonate offering a sharper, higher-pitched sound in the Beer, and nylon providing a fuller sound in the Swift. The translucency of the housing materials in both switches allows for compatibility with RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Beer and the Swift ultimately contribute to a unique typing experience, with each switch offering its own set of sound qualities and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the HMX Swift linear switch, with 38 grams required to trigger a keystroke compared to the Swift's 42 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in that aspect. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may opt for the Beer switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those seeking a stronger push feel may lean towards the Swift switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the HMX Swift linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. The Beer offers a quicker response time, ideal for gamers looking for fast input feedback. On the other hand, the Swift provides a deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to traditional switches at 4.0mm, making them suitable options for those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 the sound of the Gateron Beer tactile switch versus the HMX Swift linear switch, both are described as having a clacky sound profile. This means that they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp and bright percussive quality. However, it's important to note that the actual sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers an easy-to-press experience with a stepped tactility. These switches are known for their gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The stepped tactility provides a more subtle feel, distinguishing it from other more pronounced tactile switches. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as feathery, bouncy, and creamy. These switches are exceptionally light to press, providing a comfortable typing experience with a spring-like elastic feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation.
Overall, while the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch have different sound and feel profiles, they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a stepped tactility and characteristic clacky sound, the Beer may be the way to go. Conversely, if you enjoy a feather-light linear switch with a deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, the Swift could be more up your alley. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a lighter tactile switch with a unique and refreshing feel, the Gateron Beer switches would be a great choice. The stepped tactility and characteristic clacky sound signature offer a different typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter linear switch with a deep sound profile, the HMX Swift switches would be more suitable for you. The feathery feel and silky smoothness of the Swift switches contribute to a comfortable typing experience, especially for prolonged use. Consider your preference for tactility and sound when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
