Gateron Beer vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, offers a unique experience with its mesmerizing translucent green appearance that evokes the allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Known for its refreshingly lightweight feel, the Beer switch boasts a stepped tactility that provides a subtler sensation compared to traditional tactile switches. With a characteristic clacky sound signature, this switch is categorized as clacky, easy to press, and stepped. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender, a linear switch, stands out for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend. Providing a crisp and clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch offers a satisfying keystroke experience and is categorized as easy to press and clacky. When considering which switch to choose, these general pointers can help guide your decision; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best choose the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and Zuoce Lavender both feature different housing materials in their switches. The Beer utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Lavender switches feature POM top and bottom housings, creating a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. The POM material provides a different tactile and auditory experience compared to polycarbonate.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Beer and Zuoce Lavender switches differ in material, they both play a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switch. The qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting both the sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The bottom housing is particularly important for the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities adds depth to the overall typing experience of each switch.
In terms of housing material, the Gateron Beer and Zuoce Lavender switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their use of polycarbonate and POM, respectively. The polycarbonate material in the Beer results in a sharper and crisper sound, while the POM material in the Lavender creates a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials bring their unique characteristics to the switches, offering users a choice in sound preference based on their typing style and preference for a certain sound profile. Despite the differences in housing materials, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is evident that the Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Lavender's 48 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Beer requires 50 grams while the Lavender needs 53 grams, making the Beer slightly lighter in this aspect as well. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Beer switch, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottom out. However, for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback while typing, the Lavender switch may be more suitable due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, both switches offer different tactile experiences based on the user's preference for lighter or heavier forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similar travel distance ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key feel and typing experience. Overall, both switches provide a moderate travel distance that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort while typing.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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, both the Gateron Beer and Zuoce Lavender switches are described as having a clacky sound signature. This means that they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving off a crisp, bright, and percussive noise. However, the actual sound produced can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switch is noted for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, it features a stepped tactility, providing a subtler feel compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch is also easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses for a low-impact typing experience. Its exceptional smoothness is attributed to its proprietary blend, giving users a satisfying typing feel right out of the box.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Beer and Zuoce Lavender switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Beer switch provides a lighter and stepped tactility with a characteristic clacky sound, the Lavender switch offers exceptional smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of feel and sound, as both switches aim to enhance the typing experience in their own distinctive ways.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a unique tactility with a clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for and which characteristics align with your preferences.
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