Gateron Beer vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Lime mechanical keyboard switches, both are tactile switches that offer a unique typing experience. The Gateron Beer stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green appearance, lightweight feel, and stepped tactility, providing a subtle yet distinct typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches are known for their lightweight nature, approachable tactility, and silent operation, offering a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility. While the Beer switch provides a clacky sound signature, the Lime switch offers a muted and polished typing experience. Both switches cater to tactile fans, but the Beer switch is more on the clacky side, while the Lime switch leans towards a more subtle and muted feel. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Outemu Lime both have unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Beer's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound that is resonant and clear, perfect for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Lime's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. While the Beer's top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, the Lime's top housing focuses on a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Both switches also have different materials for their bottom housing, further impacting the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing continues to enhance the sharper, higher-pitched sound profile of the switch, complementing the top housing for a cohesive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Lime's nylon bottom housing adds to the deep and full sound profile of the switch, providing a different tactile experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer. Despite their differences, both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Lime comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The polycarbonate housing of the Beer emphasizes clarity and resonance, perfect for those who prefer a sharper sound profile with RGB lighting capabilities. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Lime offers a deeper and fuller sound experience, ideal for those who enjoy a rounder sound profile. Whether you prefer the crispness of the Beer's polycarbonate housing or the richness of the Lime's nylon housing, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Outemu Lime tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 35 grams. Both switches have light actuation forces, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Gateron Beer requires 50 grams while the Outemu Lime requires 45 grams, indicating that the Beer switch is slightly heavier when fully pressed. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience with light actuation forces, but the Gateron Beer may provide a slightly firmer bottom out feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Beer has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lime. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, if you prefer a switch with a slightly deeper feel, you may want to opt for the Gateron Beer. On the other hand, if you prefer a more abrupt feel when pressing down on a key, the Outemu Lime may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and 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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Beer tactile switch to the Outemu Lime tactile switch, the Beer switch is described as having a characteristic clacky sound signature, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the Lime switch is noted for its muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound. This makes the Lime switch more suitable for environments where noise may be a concern, such as shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature and stepped tactility, providing a gentle resistance during key presses. This results in a low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Lime tactile switch offers a mild, feathery typing experience with subtle tactility. It is designed for those who prefer a light and approachable typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Lime switch is polished, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound signature and easy-to-press, stepped tactility, while the Lime switch offers a muted sound profile and a feathery, polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the sharper, more pronounced tactility of the Beer switch or the softer, smoother experience offered by the Lime switch. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a tactile switch that suits their typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between Gateron Beer and Outemu Lime tactile switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a lighter actuation force and a clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switches may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter touch, a more muted sound profile, and a polished typing feel, the Outemu Lime switches could be a better fit for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. As you make your decision, think about what aspects of typing experience are most important to you and choose accordingly.
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