Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch, it's important to consider their unique characteristics. The Beer switch evokes the allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle with its translucent green color and lightweight design. It offers a stepped tactility that provides a subtle feel and emits a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch is known for its shorter travel and smooth, clacky typing experience. It falls in the middle ground between a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard. While the Beer is ideal for those looking for an easy-to-press, clacky switch, the Ink Yellow is perfect for individuals seeking a more neutral, polished typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing material of the Gateron Beer and Gateron Ink Yellow switches both play a significant role in the sound profile they produce. The polycarbonate top housing of the Beer creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing, which is characterized as being pointed and relatively high-pitched without being overly sharp. Both materials offer a clear and resonant sound profile, but the polycarbonate in the Beer switch may provide a crisper sound, while the INK blend in the Ink Yellow switch delivers a satisfying clacky sound. However, both materials are known for enhancing the sound quality of the switches and are ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to their translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the polycarbonate used in the Beer switch provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow switch also contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that complements its top housing material. Both bottom housings have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience for users. While the qualities of the bottom housing may be more noticeable during typing, the top housing material continues to influence the sound when a key is released.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and Gateron Ink Yellow switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate material in the Beer switch provides a sharper, crisper sound profile, while the INK blend material in the Ink Yellow switch offers a satisfying, clacky sound. Despite their differences, both materials contribute to a clear and resonant sound quality that enhances the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with the Beer switch or a clacky sound with the Ink Yellow switch, both options provide quality housing materials that make them stand out in the mechanical keyboard market.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. The bottom out force is also lighter for the Beer at 50 grams, while the Ink Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Beer will provide a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow will offer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to individuals who have specific preferences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Beer switch for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Ink Yellow switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance in typing 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 Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound, giving a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, but also producing a clacky sound. Both switches offer a unique sound experience that can be further influenced by the choice of board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for being easy to press with a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. Additionally, it features a stepped tactility, providing a more subtle feel compared to other tactile switches. Meanwhile, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience with a polished feel, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. Both switches offer distinct tactile and typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out for its unique translucent green design, light actuation force, stepped tactility, and clacky sound signature, providing a refreshing and effervescent typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a smoother and more polished typing experience with a shorter travel, ideal for those seeking a balance between laptop and standard mechanical keyboard typing. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results, albeit with different characteristics that cater to diverse typing styles.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you prefer a light and easy-to-press switch with a unique clacky sound, then the Beer tactile switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a smooth and polished feel, along with a shorter travel distance, then the Ink Yellow linear switch might be more suitable. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you while typing.
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