Gateron Beer vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, you are presented with two distinct options in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches. The Gateron Beer switch entices with its mesmerizing translucent green color inspired by Tsingtao beer bottles, offering a refreshingly lightweight feel and a stepped tactility that provides a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch boasts a smooth and consistent typing experience thanks to its two-stage long springs, delivering a more powerful rebound movement and a classic clacky sound profile. While the Beer switch is characterized as 'clacky', 'easy-to-press', and 'stepped', the Lupine switch is categorized as 'neutral', 'mild', 'high-pitched', and 'polished'. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Durock Lupine both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This material is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucent properties allow for stunning lighting effects. On the other hand, the Lupine stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon. The sound profile of typing on switches that use nylon is described as duller and rounder compared to the sharper sound of polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both the Gateron Beer and the Durock Lupine prioritize the importance of the top housing material in influencing the sound when pressing down on a key. The stiffer polycarbonate in the top housing results in a clear and resonant sound profile that is quite distinct. While the Lupine's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller sound experience, the impact of the top housing material is more significant when it comes to the overall sound produced. Therefore, both switches offer a unique typing experience that takes advantage of the qualities of their respective housing materials.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Beer and the Durock Lupine share a polycarbonate top housing, they provide different typing experiences due to their distinct bottom housing materials. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Beer's bottom housing contributes to a sharper bottom-out sound and feel, while the softer nylon in the Lupine's bottom housing results in a deeper sound profile. Overall, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique sound profiles for mechanical keyboards, offering enthusiasts a variety of options to customize their typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is clear that the Beer has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Lupine. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lupine has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Beer switch will require less force to trigger a keystroke and less force to press all the way down compared to the Lupine switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Beer switch, as it allows for longer typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Lupine switch due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, particularly gamers. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Lupine's slightly longer travel distance to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 characteristic clacky sound, which gives a sharp and snappy feel when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a high-pitched tone, providing a different auditory experience for the user. Depending on personal preference, the Beer switch may be more appealing to those who enjoy a distinct and lively sound, while the Lupine switch caters to those who prefer a more moderate and high-pitched tone. However, it's important to note that the actual sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and stepped, providing a gentle resistance with minimal force required for activation. This results in a responsive and low-impact typing experience, ideal for reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a mild and polished feel, delivering a smoother and refined typing experience with its two-stage long springs. While the Beer switch offers a more pronounced tactile feel, the Lupine switch provides a gentler typing experience that is approachable to a wider range of users.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch is characterized by its clacky sound and easy-to-press, stepped feel, providing a light and effervescent typing experience. On the other hand, the Lupine switch offers a neutral high-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel, delivering a smoother and more consistent typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to a variety of typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a distinct clacky sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more neutral or high-pitched sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
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