Gateron Beer vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Jerrzi Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the Jerrzi Orange offer unique experiences for users. The Gateron Beer, with its translucent green design inspired by Tsingtao beer bottles, is a tactile switch that provides a refreshingly lightweight feel and a stepped tactility for a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange is a linear switch known for its clacky feedback and lightweight feel, offering a crisp and audible keystroke experience. While the Gateron Beer is categorized as 'clacky', 'easy-to-press', and 'stepped', the Jerrzi Orange is categorized as 'feathery', 'easy-to-press', 'subdued', and 'clacky'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it's important to consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision. 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
37g
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
3.70 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Jerrzi Orange both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity in the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing.
While both the Gateron Beer and the Jerrzi Orange feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a similar sharp and clear sound profile, the choice of material for the bottom housing sets them apart. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Orange's nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound experience, adding a distinct characteristic to the typing feel. This difference in bottom housing material highlights how the composition of each part of a switch can influence the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer and the Jerrzi Orange showcase how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings in terms of sound profile and aesthetics, the use of nylon in the Orange's bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the role of each housing material in a switch can help enthusiasts tailor their keyboard setup to their preferred sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, we can see some differences. The Beer has a slightly higher actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Orange's 37 grams, making the Beer slightly heavier in this aspect. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Beer requires 50 grams of force while the Orange's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Beer is heavier overall in terms of bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Orange might be the better option due to its lighter actuation force, while for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Beer might be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, it is evident that the Beer has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Orange's 3.7 mm. The Beer's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Orange's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial keystroke feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable choices for those who prefer quicker actuation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming 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 Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange linear switch offers a more subdued sound, not completely silent, but more subtle compared to most switches. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience, with the Beer being more vibrant and lively, while the Orange provides a quieter typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. The stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a subtle feel with two stages, making it unique in its typing experience. Conversely, the Jerrzi Orange switch is described as feathery, exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Beer providing a more responsive and low-impact feel, while the Orange offers a light and effortless typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound with a stepped tactility, offering a vibrant and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Orange switch delivers a more subdued sound with a feathery feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions with minimal finger fatigue. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a more lively, clacky typing experience or a quieter, feather-light feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a distinctive clacky sound and a subtle stepped tactility, the Gateron Beer may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lively clacky linear switch with a feathery feel, the Jerrzi Orange switch is worth considering. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that enhances your typing enjoyment and productivity.
Mentioned in this article
