Gateron Beer vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches with unique characteristics. The Beer switch is a tactile switch that is lightweight and offers a stepped tactility, providing a subtle feel with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly excellence, featuring a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy type feel. While the Beer switch is 'clacky' and 'easy-to-press', the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is 'polished' and 'high-pitched'. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
The differences in housing materials between the Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow affect the overall typing experience for users. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's nylon bottom housing creates a different tactile feedback with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The split between the top and bottom housings means that pressing down on the switch will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, releasing a key will highlight the characteristics of the top housing, influencing the sound produced at that moment.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The polycarbonate housing in both switches creates a similar crisp and resonant sound profile, with the added benefit of translucency for RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing in the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a deeper and fuller sound experience that may appeal to those looking for a different typing sensation. Ultimately, the different housing materials contribute to unique typing experiences with each switch, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Beer is the lighter option. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy category. In terms of actuation force, the Beer requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is heavier. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Beer switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch for a more heavy-duty typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a longer travel distance compared to the Beer. The longer travel distance of 4 mm on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may provide a more satisfying and deliberate key press for some users, while the 3.4 mm travel distance on the Beer may offer a quicker and more responsive typing experience, especially preferred by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for key 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 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 signature, which is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch produces a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Beer providing a clacky sound and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offering a higher-pitched resonance. It is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, as they can also influence the overall sound of the switches.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and boasts a stepped tactility, providing a gentler resistance during key presses and a more subtle tactile feedback. In comparison, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch offers a polished and creamy feel, with smooth and refined key travel and a buttery typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Beer providing a lighter actuation force and stepped tactility, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a smooth and buttery typing sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Beer provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile with a polished and creamy typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more subtle tactile feel with a clacky sound signature, the Beer switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force with a polished, creamy feel and a higher-pitched, resonant sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you prioritize factors such as actuation force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing comfort.
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