Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Jupiter Red offer unique experiences for users. The Beer switch, with its mesmerizing translucent green color reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, is a tactile switch known for its lightness and stepped tactility. It provides a subtle tactile feel and emits a characteristic clacky sound, perfect for those who enjoy a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red is a linear switch that offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation. It features high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a polished and creamy typing experience. While the Beer switch is easy-to-press and stepped, the Jupiter Red switch is described as silky, mild, and neutral. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing habits. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Red both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is ideal for switches with clear housings, as it allows for RGB lighting to shine through. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a clear and resonant sound when typing, giving a satisfying auditory experience to users.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Gateron Beer utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, ensuring a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and Gateron Jupiter Red will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Beer offers a more consistent and clear sound profile with polycarbonate top and bottom housings, while the Jupiter Red provides a deeper and fuller sound with its combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing. Both switches are versatile options that cater to different preferences in typing sounds and experiences.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Beer requires 50 grams while the Jupiter Red needs 60 grams, making the Beer lighter in that aspect as well. The Beer switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Jupiter Red provides a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with options based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter compared to the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times, while the Jupiter Red switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel due to its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of keypress depth, with the Beer switch providing a quicker, more responsive feel, while the Jupiter Red switch offers a more deliberate and pronounced keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning it is not overly loud or sharp. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard body and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers an easy-to-press experience with minimal resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable. The stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a unique typing sensation with two stages of feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is described as polished, creamy, silky, and mild, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Beer switch is lighter, with stepped tactility and a clacky sound, while the Jupiter Red switch provides a medium-heavy actuation force with a smooth and consistent typing feel. Depending on your preference for typing experience, you can choose between the refreshing allure of the Beer switch or the seamless typing experience of the Jupiter Red switch. Both switches offer quality construction and precision engineering from the Gateron brand, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and easy-to-press typing experience with a unique clacky sound profile, then the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation with a smooth and polished feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision would depend on whether you prioritize a lightweight and tactile typing experience or a medium-heavy linear feel. Both switches offer different characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so weigh your options carefully based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
