Gateron Beer vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) stand out for their unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Beer is a tactile switch that evokes the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle, featuring a lightweight design and a stepped tactility that provides a subtle, responsive feel with a delightful clacky sound. This makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a blend of tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction, perfect for typing or gaming scenarios where expressiveness is key. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), a linear switch, offers a heavier feel complemented by its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, delivering a softer acoustic profile paired with a precise, crisp performance. This is ideal for gamers and typists who prefer smooth key presses without tactile bumps, allowing for rapid, uninterrupted typing. Both switches provide distinct experiences depending on user preference; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), it is evident that each utilizes a different type of material, culminating in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Gateron Beer employs polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharp, higher-pitched sound that is notable for its clarity and resonance. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature contributes to this sound profile, making it particularly advantageous for users who prefer a more responsive auditory feedback when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances aesthetic appeal, especially when integrated with RGB lighting, allowing the colors to shine through vividly.
In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which exemplifies a classic choice in switch construction. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and results in a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This material choice leads to a more muted auditory response, appealing to users who favor a more subdued and rounded sound. While nylon may lack the sharpness found in polycarbonate, it compensates by providing a warm typing experience that can feel more comfortable over extended use periods. Thus, the differences in material not only affect the sound output but also the overall tactile feedback experienced during key presses.
Although the Gateron Beer and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) utilize different materials, they highlight how the interplay between top and bottom housing can create unique and enjoyable typing experiences. If both switches were to share the same housing material, one can expect similar auditory feedback and tactile sensation across the board. The Beer’s polycarbonate construction would yield a crisp sound regardless of whether it was utilized in the top or bottom housing and could provide a cohesive experience tailored for enthusiasts of sharper auditory responses. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) would deliver a consistently fuller sound signature throughout the switch, ensuring that the typing experience remains rich and acoustic harmony is maintained. Whether aiming for clarity or warmth, both switches demonstrate the significance of material choice in achieving the desired sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Beer switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during long work hours or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feedback when typing. This distinction means that users opting for the Beer switch will experience a lighter touch while the Xinhai requires more force, appealing to different preferences in key feel. Ultimately, while both serve distinct typing experiences, the Gateron Beer is the lighter option, providing ease of use, whereas the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a firmer resistance that can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer heftier feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, meaning they travel the same distance from top to bottom when pressed. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect a comparable feel when actuating either switch, providing similar tactile feedback and overall performance. Since both switches share the same travel distance, they could serve well for users who value consistency in key travel across different types of 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 HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) 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 sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch produces a distinctive clacky tone that stands out during use. This sound profile is characterized as sharp and snappy, offering a bright and percussive auditory experience that can enhance the overall typing enjoyment. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch's sound characteristics are less defined, primarily due to its design focusing on subtle sophistication and soft acoustics. While its construction using a unique PA12 top housing is intended to create a quieter response, the specific auditory qualities remain unspecified. However, it's essential to remember that the sound of keyboard switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can significantly affect the final output.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switch excels with its lightweight and easy-to-press action, requiring minimal effort for activation, which is beneficial for reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The stepped tactility provides a noticeable but mild tactile feedback, allowing typists to experience a pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation, making each keystroke both responsive and comfortable. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy), being a linear switch, does not provide the same tactile feedback as the Beer switch, but details on its particular characteristics are unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. Therefore, while the Beer offers a clear, tactile distinction, the Xinhai's performance remains ambiguous.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a switch that delivers an engaging auditory and tactile experience, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a unique combination of clacky sound and stepped feel, ideal for those who enjoy pronounced feedback. On the other hand, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) promises a sophisticated and more understated approach, its specific qualities are less defined. Ultimately, if you're after an engaging typing experience, the Beer will provide clear results, while the Xinhai may offer a subtler performance that requires more exploration to fully assess its capabilities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch primarily depends on your typing style and personal preferences. If you enjoy a light, effortless keystroke combined with a distinct, clacky sound, the Beer switch is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram actuator makes it ideal for lengthy typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience. The stepped tactile feedback offers a gentle reminder of each key press without being overwhelming, making it perfect for those who prefer a subtle tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer, more robust feel under your fingers combined with a highly responsive performance, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch would better suit your needs. With its higher actuation force of 62.5 grams, this switch is designed to deliver precision and a satisfying typing experience, making it an excellent option for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you favor the lightweight and whispery tactile feedback of the Beer switch or the substantial and refined linear experience of the Xinhai (Heavy).
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