Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Beer and Gateron Jupiter Brown are both tactile switches, offering a unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Beer switch stands out for its translucent green design, evoking the allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Known for its lightweight and stepped tactility, the Beer switch provides a subtler tactile feel compared to other switches, combined with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown switch blends tradition with innovation, featuring a single-stage spring for a more classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. With high-precision molds and enhanced backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown switch offers reliable performance and aesthetic appeal. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and Gateron Jupiter Brown both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This material is especially useful for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. However, the Jupiter Brown stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that provides a unique typing experience.
In terms of sound profile, the Beer and Jupiter Brown switches both benefit from the characteristics of their respective housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing in both models contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, ideal for those looking for a sharp and crisp typing experience. However, the nylon bottom housing in the Jupiter Brown sets it apart by offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Beer. This difference in bottom housing material adds a unique touch to the overall sound profile of the Jupiter Brown switch, providing users with a distinct typing experience.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound of the switches, the housing materials play a significant role. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in the Beer and Jupiter Brown switches means that each part of the switch contributes differently to the overall typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more during bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials results in a nuanced typing experience for users of both the Gateron Beer and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch vary significantly. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push feel will likely prefer the Jupiter Brown over the Beer. While the Beer offers a lighter typing experience, the Jupiter Brown provides a medium-heavy feel, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, we can see that the Beer has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Jupiter Brown's 4 mm. This means that the Beer switch will provide a slightly quicker key press experience compared to the Jupiter Brown. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Beer switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation may lean towards the Jupiter Brown with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer tactile feedback, but the difference in travel distance can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and speed.
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 Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is not specifically mentioned, so it may offer a different auditory experience. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel. Additionally, the Beer switch features a stepped tactility, providing a subtler key press experience compared to more pronounced tactile switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is characterized as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. Like the Beer switch, the Jupiter Brown also boasts a stepped tactility, providing a more subdued sensation during keystrokes.
Overall, while the Gateron Beer and Jupiter Brown tactile switches have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, with the Beer switch being lighter and offering a more clacky sound, and the Jupiter Brown having a medium-heavy weight and a polished feel, both switches share the common feature of a stepped tactility. This means that users can expect similar characteristics in terms of how the key press feels and how the tactile response is delivered. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for sound and feel, as well as how these qualities complement the overall typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and easy-to-press tactile switch with a unique sound signature, the Gateron Beer switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a more traditional keystroke feel and a polished finish, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch might be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for key feel, sound profile, and typing experience. Keep in mind the characteristics of each switch to make an informed decision that aligns with your typing style and preferences.