Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Beer and the Gateron Luciola are two unique mechanical keyboard switches that offer different experiences for users. The Beer switch, with its translucent green color reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, is a tactile switch that provides a light and refreshing typing experience. It features a stepped tactility that is more subtle compared to traditional tactile switches, along with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Luciola switch stands out with its glowing design and offers a medium heft with a smooth and bouncy typing feel. It produces a hollow sound profile akin to a can of spray paint being shaken. While the Beer switch is known for being easy to press and clacky, the Luciola switch is snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished. When choosing between these two switches, consider the typing experience and sound profile that best suits your preferences. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Luciola both play a significant role in the sound profile of the switches. The Beer features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material is especially useful for switches that use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is satisfying and clacky. While both materials offer a high-pitched sound, the Beer's polycarbonate may provide a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the Luciola's INK blend.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Beer and Luciola switches incorporate their respective housing materials to impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. This material's stiffness helps to enhance the overall sound experience when typing on the switch. In contrast, the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that adds to the switch's clacky feel. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, the choice between polycarbonate and INK blend may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Luciola contribute to their unique sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Beer results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the proprietary INK blend in the Luciola offers a satisfying and clacky sound. The top housing of each switch will have a noticeable impact on the sound when pressing and releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the overall bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Whether you prefer the clearer resonance of polycarbonate or the clacky feel of the INK blend, both switches offer a distinctive typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. The Beer switch is better suited for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where lighter keypresses are desired, while the Luciola switch is a better choice for those who prefer a more significant and tactile typing experience. In terms of actuation force, the Beer is lighter, while the Luciola is heavier. It's important to consider these factors when choosing a switch to ensure it aligns with your typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the Beer switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive than the Luciola switch. On the other hand, the Luciola switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feel. Overall, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances, the slight difference between the two could influence user preference based on individual typing or gaming needs.
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 Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 described as having a characteristic clacky sound that is sharp and percussive when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch also produces a clacky sound, but it adds a chirpy element with a little squeak to it. Additionally, the Luciola switch has a marbly and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of tapping on marble or billiard balls colliding. Ultimately, both switches offer unique and attention-grabbing sound experiences that can enhance your typing enjoyment.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press with gentle resistance, providing a light and effortless typing experience. It features a stepped tactility, offering a subtler feel with two stages to the keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is described as snappy and buttery, providing a super responsive and smooth typing sensation. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and seamless key travel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, catering to varying preferences for typing feel.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and Gateron Luciola linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer switch provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, the Luciola switch adds chirpy and marbly sound profiles with snappy and buttery typing sensations. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you choose the Beer for its refreshing lightweight tactility or the Luciola for its eye-catching glow and smooth typing feel, both switches offer quality performance that can elevate your typing pleasure.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a light actuation force and a subtle tactile feedback with a clacky sound signature, the Beer switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a medium heft and an eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, the Luciola switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a lighter tactile experience or a smoother linear feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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