Gateron Beer vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Beer and the TTC Gold Pink. The Gateron Beer switch is a tactile switch that stands out for its translucent green color reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle. It offers a unique stepped tactility, making it easy to press with a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink is a linear switch known for its light 37g actuation force, perfect for fast and effortless typing or gaming. It provides a buttery and polished typing experience with a subtle and feathery feel. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
The Gateron Beer and TTC Gold Pink switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gold Pink switch features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and ultimately creating a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the sharper sound of polycarbonate.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both the Gateron Beer and TTC Gold Pink switches share similar characteristics in their polycarbonate top housing. They both offer a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. However, where the switches differ is in the bottom housing material. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing continues the trend of a clear and resonant sound, while the Gold Pink's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound that absorbs more noise.
In terms of functionality, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly impact the overall sound profile and feel of the keystrokes. The characteristics of the bottom housing material will be felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the Gateron Beer and TTC Gold Pink switches offer users a unique experience based on their choice of housing materials, with the polycarbonate top housing delivering a sharp and clear sound, and the nylon bottom housing offering a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, it is clear that both switches are quite similar in terms of weight. The Beer has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Gold Pink's 37 grams, while the bottom out force is also slightly lighter for the Beer at 50 grams compared to the Gold Pink's 45 grams. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods. This similarity in weight means that users can expect similar results in terms of the typing feel and overall experience when using either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch. The Beer switch would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast feedback. On the other hand, the Gold Pink switch offers a slightly deeper feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial press.
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 Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 tactile switch is known for its clacky sound signature, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, there is no specific information available on the sound profile of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. The stepped tactility provides a subtle feel with distinct stages during the keystroke, enhancing the typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is characterized as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The light actuation force of 37g makes typing effortless and comfortable, suited for fast and rapid typing sessions.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a unique typing experience with its light and easy-to-press nature, accompanied by a distinctive clacky sound signature due to its stepped tactility. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch provides a buttery and smooth typing sensation with a light actuation force, perfect for those seeking a fast and effortless typing experience with a satisfying level of feedback. While the switches differ in their characteristics, both can offer a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Beer tactile switch or the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force (50g) with a more stepped tactility and a clacky sound signature, then the Beer switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter bottom out force (45g) with a buttery and mild typing feel, as well as a smoother sound experience, then the Gold Pink switch might be more suitable for your typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch will depend on what kind of typing experience you are looking for.
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