Gateron Beer vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable contenders in this realm are the Gateron Beer and the TTC Yunhai switches. The Gateron Beer is celebrated for its tactile response, delivering a stepped tactility that provides a delightful feedback with each keystroke, reminiscent of the fun and lively experience of enjoying a Tsingtao beer. Its lightweight nature and clacky sound signature offer an engaging and approachable typing environment for users who thrive on a sense of interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai shines as a linear switch, designed for effortless actuation and a deep, rounded sound profile that appeals to those who favor a smoother and quieter performance. With an incredibly light actuation force, it's perfect for typists who appreciate a gentle touch and a more uninterrupted flow. Choosing between these two switches ultimately hinges on your personal preference for tactile feedback versus a streamlined keystroke experience; 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the TTC Yunhai switches, it becomes evident that they embody contrasting characteristics, particularly in their impact on sound profiles. The Gateron Beer utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature, allowing for clear resonance. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material recognized for its softer properties. The nylon housing absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller, and rounder sound profile. Consequently, if one were to compare the auditory experiences of these two switches, the Gateron Beer would offer a more treble-driven experience, while the TTC Yunhai would lean towards richness and warmth.
The aesthetic properties of the housing materials add another layer of distinction between the Gateron Beer and the TTC Yunhai. The polycarbonate used in the Beer switches allows for translucency, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. This quality enhances the visual appeal of a keyboard setup, particularly for users seeking vibrant, illuminating aesthetics. In contrast, nylon is often opaque and does not possess the same light-transmitting properties, thus limiting the potential for such visual effects in the Yunhai switches. The choice of housing material thus influences not only the auditory characteristics but also the aesthetic potential of the keyboards utilizing these switches, appealing to different user preferences.
However, despite their differences, both the Gateron Beer and TTC Yunhai switches will present distinct feel and sound characteristics based on their individual top and bottom housing materials. In switches where the top and bottom housings are composed of different materials, the combined effects of both will be felt during use. The polycarbonate tops of the Gateron Beer will deliver a crisper release sound, while the nylon bottoms of the Yunhai will create a fuller bottom-out response. Understanding these dynamics allows users to anticipate the tactile and auditory experience they can expect, regardless of the switch type, which highlights the nuanced design choices made in mechanical keyboard switch construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we find some interesting differences. The Gateron Beer switch features an actuation force of 38 grams, whereas the TTC Yunhai requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams. Both switches have an identical bottom out force of 50 grams. As a result, while both switches provide a light typing experience, the Gateron Beer is lighter overall, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, which can enhance comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Yunhai, with its heavier actuation force, offers a more substantial feel that some typists might prefer for increased tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may hinge on personal preference for a lighter or slightly more forceful typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm positions the Beer switch as the shorter option, which may offer gamers quicker response times due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, the Yunhai switch, with its greater depth, may provide a more robust typing experience for those who prefer a little more travel when pressing keys. Both switches, however, fall within the modern trend of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, reflecting current preferences for efficiency in gaming and typing.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 stands out with its distinct clacky sound profile, producing a crisp and bright auditory feedback that is characteristic of tactile switches. This lively acoustic signature can make for a satisfying typing experience, especially for users who appreciate auditory cues as part of their interactions with a keyboard. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch's sound profile remains unspecified, leaving the auditory experience of these switches relatively unknown. However, given that linear switches typically provide a more subdued sound, one can expect a softer and less pronounced auditory feedback compared to the lively clackiness of the Beer switches.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switches offer a unique typing experience characterized by their lightweight actuation and stepped tactility. This combination means that users will enjoy an easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force to activate, thereby reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The stepped tactile feedback allows for a pleasant experience, offering a sense of reliability without overwhelming resistance. The TTC Yunhai switches, while not explicitly detailed, are described as having an incredibly light actuation force, which suggests a similarly effortless typing experience. However, details about their tactile feedback and how it compares to Gateron's stepped design remain undefined, leaving a gap in the overall tactile experience description.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch present attractive qualities, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Beer excels in auditory engagement with its clacky sound profile and offers a distinctive stepped tactile feel that can appeal to users who enjoy tactile feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Yunhai switches promise a lightweight actuation that seems poised to deliver comfort and ease, although their exact sound and tactile characteristics remain less defined. Ultimately, the choice between these two will hinge on personal preferences surrounding sound and feel, but both switches are likely to provide a pleasant ergonomic experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Gateron Beer tactile switches and TTC Yunhai linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that offers a gentle yet distinct feel, with a vibrant clacky sound that adds a bit of character to your typing experience, then the Beer switches might be the perfect fit for you. Their lightweight nature, combined with a subtle stepped tactility, makes them comfortable for long typing sessions without leading to fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more fluid typing experience where the keystrokes feel effortless, the Yunhai linear switches will likely be more appealing. Their deep sound profile enhances the overall experience, providing a tranquil atmosphere that suits both typing and gaming environments. In essence, go for Gateron Beer if you value responsive tactile feedback and added auditory flair, but choose TTC Yunhai if you lean towards a silky smooth and quieter experience.
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