Introduction:Both the Hario Switch and Mr. Clever are representative immersion brewing devices, but they differ significantly in operational mechanics and usage flexibility. This article takes an in-depth look at the Switch’s valve switch design and detachable structure, and walks you through the popular “top pouring method” in recent years. By adding water first and then the coffee grounds, this method allows medium to light roasted coffees—such as Ethiopia ALO—to exhibit more even extraction and a brighter sweetness, making it a great reference for coffee enthusiasts aiming to refine their pour over skills.

Among the many immersion brewing tools, the Mr. Clever stands out with its bottom valve design, combining the advantages of both drip filtration and immersion brewing. It is so beginner-friendly that it has earned the title “coffee newbie’s magic tool.” As market demand grew, Hario’s Switch immersion dripper gradually rose to prominence. Its most distinctive feature is the use of a paddle-style switch to control water flow, making mode switching more intuitive. Moreover, the dripper and base are detachable, allowing for the use of different filters, greatly enhancing its versatility.

Like the traditional Mr. Clever, the Switch also controls water flow via a bottom valve to switch between immersion and drip modes. However, the Switch innovates by integrating valve control into a paddle switch. Users simply press or flip the switch up to easily start or stop water flow, without relying on the weight of the device itself—making the operation smoother. This is also the origin of its name “Switch” (meaning toggle).

The overall structure of the Switch can be divided into two main parts: the glass dripper body and the silicone base with the valve system. The dripper resembles the classic V60 in shape, with a size close to the standard size 02. However, because immersion brewing requires a full pour of hot water all at once, its actual capacity is slightly larger than that of a size 01 V60, making it ideal for single servings.

The base is made of silicone, and its internal valve system consists of a small steel ball and a transparent paddle. The paddle is designed with a lever structure for easier operation. In its default state, the small steel ball seals the outlet to ensure no coffee liquid flows out during the immersion phase. When the paddle is pressed, the steel ball is lifted, allowing the coffee to flow out. If the paddle is pushed upward, the steel ball returns to its original position, resealing the outlet—offering intuitive and smooth operation.

Notably, the Switch’s design allows users to switch brewing modes without moving the dripper itself. This feature has attracted many baristas to develop diverse brewing methods. For example, the renowned Pourover Devil method by Tetsu Kasuya was specifically tailored for the Switch. Additionally, the Switch’s dripper and base are detachable—just pull gently to separate them. This not only makes thorough cleaning easier but also allows the use of other compatible filters, such as the Infinity Dripper, to create different flow rates and extraction styles, adding more fun to the experience.

Although the Switch and Mr. Clever share similar basic brewing principles, the Switch’s paddle switch and detachable structure offer greater advantages in operational convenience and personalized adjustments. For those interested in learning more about the brewing techniques of various clever drippers, please refer to related special articles—we won’t go into further detail here.

Next, we’ll focus on the “top pouring method,” which has garnered much attention in recent years. This immersion brewing technique is commonly used in siphon pots and AeroPresses, and has recently been applied to clever drippers as well. It effectively enhances the uniformity of extraction and the expression of sweetness in coffee.

As the name suggests, the top pouring method involves adding hot water first and then the coffee grounds. The typical pour over process usually involves adding coffee grounds before pouring water, but the top pouring method does the opposite—it first pours hot water into the dripper, then adds the coffee grounds and stirs. This helps the coffee grounds absorb water evenly, reduces channeling effects, and allows flavor release to be more balanced. It’s especially suitable for medium to light roasted beans, bringing out a brighter sweetness and fruity notes.

Below are the specific parameters and steps used in this brew. The coffee beans are medium-light roasted Ethiopia ALO, using 17 grams of coffee ground to an Ek43 setting of 8, equivalent to a 90% extraction rate through a #20 sieve. The coffee-to-water ratio is set at 1:15, with water temperature controlled at 95°C, and a total brew time of approximately 4 minutes.

First, use a small amount of hot water to preheat the dripper and server. After preheating, discard the water. Then close the valve at the bottom of the Switch and pour 255 milliliters of hot water (calculated for 17 grams of coffee) into the dripper all at once. Be careful not to exceed the maximum capacity of the dripper to avoid overflow during immersion.

After pouring the hot water, immediately add all 17 grams of coffee grounds into the dripper, and start timing right away. It’s recommended to use a spoon or stirring stick to gently press the floating coffee grounds into the water and stir evenly for about 10 rotations, ensuring each coffee particle is fully in contact with water to initiate the extraction process.

At the 1-minute and 3-minute marks of extraction, perform stirring again, each time for about 10 rotations. These two rounds of stirring mainly aim to promote the release of flavor compounds, accelerate extraction efficiency, and achieve a more balanced sweetness and acidity.

When the 4-minute mark is reached, open the bottom valve to allow the coffee liquid to slowly drip through. Once the dripping is complete, remove the dripper and enjoy a pour over coffee with even extraction and pronounced sweetness.

Upon actual tasting, this Ethiopia ALO exhibits rich tropical fruit flavors such as mango, citrus, and pineapple, with outstanding sweetness, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and distinct layers. It fully demonstrates the strengths of the top pouring method in enhancing the overall performance of coffee.

Beyond brewing coffee, the Switch’s immersion design is also suitable for steeping tea—especially teas that require precise control over steeping time. Its stable extraction characteristics allow for a purer tea aroma.

In summary, although both the Hario Switch and Mr. Clever are immersion drippers, the Switch, with its paddle switch and detachable structure, offers greater flexibility in operation and personalization. Paired with advanced brewing techniques like the top pouring method, it can further elevate the quality and flavor expression of your coffee—making it a great option for coffee lovers eager to dive deeper into the world of pour over.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.