Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and Gateron Magnetic Jade offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences and typing styles. The Gateron Beer, with its vibrant translucent green housing reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, is a tactile switch that provides a unique stepped tactility, creating a lighter and more nuanced feedback during each keystroke. This switch is characterized by its clacky sound, making it an appealing option for users who enjoy a vivid auditory and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade features Hall Effect technology and is celebrated for delivering a bright and pronounced clack, elevating the acoustics of your keyboard. This switch is particularly ideal for those seeking a premium typing experience and optimal sound quality. While both switches have their merits—one leaning towards a lightweight, tactile feel and the other toward an advanced, acoustic-enhanced experience—they ultimately cater to different user 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
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches share a commonality in their top housing material—both utilize polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a clear and crisp sound profile. This similarity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched auditory experience when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making both switches aesthetically appealing for users who prioritize visual customization in their keyboards. As a result, users can expect a consistent auditory quality when pressing down on keys with both switches, with the bright sounds facilitated by the identical top housing materials.
However, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ significantly, which introduces contrasting auditory characteristics that shape the overall typing experience. The Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which—much like its top counterpart—maintains the sharper sound profile that polycarbonate is known for. By contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade employs nylon for its bottom housing. This material is relatively softer and dampens sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that tends to absorb more impact noise. Consequently, while both switches share a common top housing sound signature, the differences in their bottom housing will lead to distinctly different feelings and sounds when actuating the keys.
The impact of these various housing materials becomes especially evident during key presses. With the Gateron Beer, the overall user experience will lean towards a brighter sound—thanks to both housing components being made from polycarbonate. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade will offer a more balanced auditory response, benefiting from the deeper and rounder sounds produced by its nylon bottom housing. Therefore, while both switches may feel similar when pressed, the resulting sound experience emphasizes the interplay between the stiffer polycarbonate and the softer nylon, allowing users to choose a switch that best aligns with their personal sound preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Beer switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Magnetic Jade's 30 grams, making the Beer switch feel more robust when typing. In terms of bottom out forces, the Beer switch also has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Magnetic Jade switch bottoms out at 55 grams. This means that while both switches are relatively lightweight, the Magnetic Jade is heavier overall, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel during use. Ultimately, if you're leaning towards lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Magnetic Jade may offer a more comfortable experience due to its lower actuation force despite its higher bottom out resistance. Conversely, if you favor a stronger push during typing, the Gateron Beer switch might suit your preferences better with its firmer actuation and lower bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we find distinct differences that cater to varying preferences among users. The Gateron Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a slightly shorter option, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is marginally longer. This slight difference may influence user experience; the shorter travel distance of the Beer switch can lead to quicker response times, making it particularly appealing to gamers who favor rapid actuation. On the other hand, the longer 3.5 mm distance of the Magnetic Jade may provide a more substantial feel, which some users prefer for a more tactile engagement. Thus, those looking for a snappier, more responsive keypress might opt for the Beer switch, while those who appreciate a deeper actuation could find the Magnetic Jade to be more suitable.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch share a bright and clacky character that can greatly enhance the auditory experience of typing. The Beer switch delivers a sharp and snappy clack, creating a crisp and percussive sound that many users appreciate. Similarly, the Magnetic Jade is recognized for its clacky sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize acoustics in their typing experience. That said, the actual sound profile can vary based on the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials used, but overall, expect a lively auditory response from both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer switch stands out for its lightweight and easy-to-press nature, which provides a comfortable and almost effortless typing experience. The stepped tactility offers a clear but mild feedback during key presses, allowing for a pleasant interaction that minimizes finger fatigue during extended usage. The feel of the Magnetic Jade switch, however, is less defined in the available information. While it is tailored for a superior typing experience, the specifics regarding its tactile feedback and overall feel remain uncertain.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Beer and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches have distinctive qualities that cater to different aspects of the typing experience. The Beer switch excels in providing a lightweight and gently tactile response paired with a clear auditory feedback. The Magnetic Jade, while also bright and clacky in sound, offers an enhanced experience tailored for specific hardware like the Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, though more information regarding its feel is needed to make a comprehensive comparison. Overall, both switches promise to deliver engaging typing experiences, but the choice between them will ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a lighter touch and an enjoyable, clacky sound signature, the Beer switch is a fantastic option. It features a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, making it easy to press and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This switch's stepped tactile feel offers a subtle feedback that can be ideal for those who appreciate a gentle yet responsive typing experience, especially for casual use or light gaming. On the other hand, if you're aiming for a more robust typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Gateron Magnetic Jade might be your best bet. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams and notable acoustic clarity, these switches provide a satisfying keystroke that can enhance your overall typing experience, particularly for more serious gaming or high-intensity typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your own tactile preferences: go for the Beers for an effortless experience and standout acoustics, or opt for the Magnetic Jades if you desire a bit more heft and refined sound.
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