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Gateron Beer vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown

An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, both tactile switches with their own unique features. The Gateron Beer stands out with its translucent green design, offering a refreshing and light typing experience with a distinct clacky sound. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is known for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, providing a gentle tactile bump and enhanced RGB lighting visibility. While the Beer switch is characterized by its clacky nature, easy-to-press actuation, and stepped tactility, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers an easy-to-press feel, mild tactile sensation, and stepped tactility. 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

55g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

63g

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

Standard

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

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm lengthened gold-plated spring

Spring

20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring

Housing materials

The housing material of the Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown differ in their bottom housing. The Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Beer's bottom housing leads to a more clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon in the G Pro 3.0 Brown's bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing material leads to a noticeable difference in the overall sound and feel of the switches.

In terms of the top housing, both the Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown feature polycarbonate top housing. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. As a result, the top housing of both switches will have a similar impact on the sound when you let go of a key. Despite their similarities in top housing material, the differences in bottom housing between the two switches will still result in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences.

Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing. The Gateron Beer's combination of polycarbonate top and bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown's mix of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The split between top and bottom housing materials in these switches highlights how the qualities of each material can impact the overall typing experience. Whether it be a sharper sound from stiffer polycarbonate or a fuller sound from softer nylon, the housing material is a key factor in the performance of mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Beer is the lighter option. With an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Beer provides a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a heavier feel with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Beer would be the ideal choice. In contrast, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the Beer switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing experience. The Beer switch with a shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch with a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.

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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.

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 characteristic clacky sound, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, information about the sound of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is not provided, so it is recommended to try out both switches to determine which sound profile aligns better with personal preferences.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Gateron Beer and G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, both switches are characterized as stepped, providing a more subtle tactile feedback that allows for a responsive typing experience without being too overpowering. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, which may appeal to a wider range of users.

Overall, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offer a pleasant typing experience with their easy-to-press and stepped characteristics. While the Beer switch provides a distinct clacky sound signature, the sound profile of the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch remains unknown. Therefore, for enthusiasts looking for a lighter and more subtle tactile switch experience, either of these options could be a suitable choice. Ultimately, personal preference in terms of sound and feel will play a significant role in determining which switch is the perfect fit for individual typing needs.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter switch with a unique clacky sound, the Beer may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a more subtle sound profile and a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting, the G Pro 3.0 Brown could be the ideal option for your typing needs. Consider your typing style and desired typing experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

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