Gateron Beer vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White present two distinct options for different preferences. The Gateron Beer, with its unique translucent green color inspired by Tsingtao beer bottles, offers a tactile typing experience with a stepped tactility that is easy to press and has a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch designed for delicate typists, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light actuation force of only 38g. While both switches are known for their clacky sound signature, the G Pro 3.0 White also offers creamy, feathery, and subtle typing characteristics. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback and actuation force. 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
38g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White are both made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. The use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings ensures a consistent sound profile throughout the switch.
One key difference between the two switches is that the G Pro 3.0 White features a nylon bottom housing, while the Beer has a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing material can lead to a variance in the typing experience between the two switches, with the G Pro 3.0 White potentially offering a more muted and rounded sound compared to the Beer's crisper sound. However, both switches still maintain a level of consistency in their overall sound profiles due to the polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of typing experience, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Gateron Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing may result in a sharper bottom-out sound, while the G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing could lead to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. However, the similarities in their polycarbonate top housing ensure that both switches deliver a similar typing experience in terms of key release sound. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches contribute to their distinct sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 38 grams. However, the Gateron Beer has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Beer switch requires a slightly heavier pressure to fully press down compared to the G Pro 3.0 White switch. The Gateron Beer may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer a similar actuation force, ensuring that users will get comparable results in terms of response time.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 White the longer of the two switches. The difference in travel distance can be significant when it comes to the typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Beer switch may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 White may provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for some users. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences regarding travel distance.
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 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch are described as having a clacky sound signature. This means that they both produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback. However, the G Pro 3.0 White switch also offers a neutral sound profile and can be subdued, which provides a more varied sound experience depending on your preference and typing environment. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard type, keycaps, and overall build quality.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and offers stepped tactility, providing a gentle resistance during key presses and a more subtle tactile experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is creamy, feathery, easy-to-press, mild, silky, and subtle, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with exceptionally light key presses. This results in reduced finger fatigue and a comfortable typing feel suitable for extended typing sessions, whether for gaming, school, or work. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing responsive and low-impact key presses, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch offer a clacky sound profile, they differ in terms of feel. The Beer switch provides a more stepped and easy-to-press tactile experience, whereas the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy, feathery, and silky typing feel that focuses on effortless key presses and reduced finger strain. Depending on whether you prefer a more subtle tactile experience or a smoother key press, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing session.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force of 50 grams and a stepped tactility with a characteristic clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a switch with a bottom out force of 45 grams and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a variety of sound profiles including clacky, neutral, and subdued, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force to ensure the best typing experience possible.
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