Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference can play a significant role in the typing experience. The Gateron Beer, known for its tactile feedback and evocative design reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, is a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke. With its lightweight structure and stepped tactility, this switch provides a unique balance between feel and responsiveness, complemented by a distinctive clacky sound that many find satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red, celebrated for its smooth linear action, caters to those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. With a delightful travel distance, these switches excel for speed typists and gamers who prioritize seamless key presses over tactile feedback. Both switches have their charm and serve distinct purposes depending on your needs—whether you crave the tactile response of the Beer or the smooth fluidity of the Glory Red. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Gateron Glory Red switches utilize different housing materials, significantly affecting their acoustic and tactile profiles. The Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, known for its stiffness, which results in a sharper, crisper sound profile. This material enhances the switch's ability to resonate sound, creating a clear auditory experience that many typists appreciate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting setups, as it allows light to pass through and shine brightly. Consequently, users favor the Beer switch for a more pronounced auditory feedback along with a visually appealing lighting experience.
In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material recognized for its softer properties. This softness leads to a sound profile that is deeper and more rounded, as nylon absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. As a result, the typing experience with Glory Reds tends to be more subdued, offering a comfort-focused alternative for those who may prefer less auditory feedback. The nylon housing's capabilities also contribute to a more muted aesthetic in terms of RGB lighting, as the material's opacity restricts light passage compared to the clear polycarbonate of the Beer switches.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials present in the Gateron Beer and Glory Red switches create distinct auditory and tactile typing experiences. The Beer switches yield a crisper sound profile with a vibrant RGB performance, thanks to their polycarbonate housing, while the Glory Red switches offer a fuller, more subdued typing sound characteristic of nylon. However, if one were to mix and match housings—using a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom or vice versa—it's essential to note that each component's qualities would contribute differently to the overall experience. The top housing influences the sound release during key release, while the bottom affects the bottom-out sound and feel, enabling typists to customize their experience depending on the desired characteristics.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch present a distinct contrast in their actuation forces, with the Beer requiring a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the 45 grams needed for the Glory Red. This makes the Beer better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions with less finger fatigue, while the Glory Red, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to users who favor a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches have their respective bottom out forces, with the Beer switch rating at 50 grams, indicating a noticeable resistance when fully pressed down. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red remains unknown. Therefore, while the Beer is definitively the lighter switch, the Glory Red offers a heavier typing experience, appealing to different user preferences based on comfort and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Gateron Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Glory Red features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Therefore, if you're seeking a more responsive experience, the Beer switch, with its shorter travel distance, may suit your needs better. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced feel and hearty depth in your key presses, the Glory Red switch offers a longer travel distance, which some users might find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you value speed and responsiveness or a more substantial tactile experience.
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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Beer tactile switch is defined by its clacky nature, characterized by a sharp, bright, and percussive noise that provides an engaging auditory feedback during typing. This sound contributes to a lively atmosphere that can energize your typing sessions. In contrast, the sound for the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is not specified here, but typically, linear switches have a quieter, smoother operation compared to tactile or clicky switches. Therefore, while the Beer provides a distinct and vibrant audio experience, the Glory Red will likely offer a more subdued sound environment, making them suitable for quieter settings or for users who prefer an understated auditory profile.
When it comes to feel, the Beer switch stands out with its easy-to-press mechanism and stepped tactility. This means that users will experience minimal resistance during key presses, which makes for a comfortable typing experience and can help reduce finger fatigue during long sessions. The stepped tactile nature imparts a gentler feedback compared to the more pronounced bumps found in other tactile switches. The Glory Red, being a linear switch, typically lacks any tactile feedback and offers a smooth keystroke throughout the entire travel distance. This can create a very fluid typing experience, appealing to those who favor an uninterrupted key press. Given this, the Beer offers a diverse tactile feel while the Glory Red promotes an effortless and seamless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch provides a vibrant clacky sound and a nuanced stepped tactile feel that can enhance the typing experience with both auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch focuses on a smooth, quiet operation with gentle keystrokes, perfect for those who prefer an unobtrusive typing experience. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on whether one values auditory feedback and tactile sensation, or a silent, smooth experience. Users can expect different results based on these preferences, making both options valid choices depending on individual typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch should reflect your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a more tactile and engaging experience, especially for tasks like typing or programming, the Gateron Beer is an excellent choice. Its lightweight nature and stepped tactility allow for easier actuation, making it less fatiguing during long typing sessions while providing a satisfying clacky sound that many find enjoyable. Conversely, if you lean towards a smoother and quieter experience, particularly in fast-paced gaming sessions or minimalist typing scenarios, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch may be more suitable for you. Its smooth keystroke and responsive design cater to those seeking an effortless feel without the distraction of tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences for feedback and noise level, ensuring that your keyboard experience is both enjoyable and efficient.
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