Gateron Beer vs. Durock Black Lotus

Overview

When comparing the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, to the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, there are distinct differences that cater to varying preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Gateron Beer is notable for its translucent green design inspired by Tsingtao beer, offering a refreshingly lightweight typing experience with a stepped tactility that provides a unique feel. In contrast, the Durock Black Lotus is recognized for its silky smooth feel and precision, minimizing housing and stem wobble for a satisfying typing experience. The Beer switch is described as 'clacky' and 'easy-to-press', while the Black Lotus switch is characterized as 'silky', 'buttery', and 'polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Beer Tactile

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Beer and the Durock Black Lotus both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Beer's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a more defined typing experience. On the other hand, the Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium feel with a unique touch. While both switches provide quality sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Beer focuses on clarity and resonance, while the Black Lotus offers a more luxurious typing experience.

In terms of the bottom housings, the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing also contributes to its sharper sound profile, while the Black Lotus's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by polycarbonate. Each bottom housing material offers a distinct typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound.

Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Durock Black Lotus play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While the Beer utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, providing a consistent sharp and clear sound, the Black Lotus mixes materials with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing, offering a more dynamic sound experience. Both switches are ideal for users seeking unique sound profiles, with the Beer focusing on clarity and sharpness, and the Black Lotus emphasizing depth and richness in sound. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper typing experience or a deeper, fuller sound, these switches offer distinct options to cater to different preferences.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, we see a clear distinction in weight. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Black Lotus boasts a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Beer switch would be ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, providing a smoother and more effortless keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Black Lotus switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel for precise typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Beer being lighter and the Black Lotus being heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Black Lotus's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Beer being on the shorter end and the Black Lotus on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound, providing a sharp and percussive click with each press. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is not specified, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press with a stepped tactility, offering a lighter and more subtle typing experience. This switch is designed to reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions and provides a responsive and low-impact feel. On the other hand, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. These qualities suggest a different typing feel compared to the Gateron Beer switch, leaning towards a smoother and more uniform keystroke.

In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gateron Beer switch provides a clacky sound and a lightweight, easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, the Durock Black Lotus switch offers a smooth, buttery, and polished typing experience with unparalleled precision and reduced wobble. Depending on your personal preferences, either switch can provide a unique typing experience, so it is recommended to try both switches to see which one suits your typing style best.

Conclusion

Therefore, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a light, clacky switch with a stepped tactility and a characteristic sound signature, the Gateron Beer switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth, buttery, and polished typing experience with reduced wobble and a slightly higher actuation force, the Durock Black Lotus switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Beer Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

Learn more

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more