Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and Gateron Mars provide two distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Gateron Beer switch, with its enchanting translucent green design reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, is known for its tactile feedback, offering a stepped tactility that ensures a noticeable bump without the arch of traditional tactile switches. Its lightweight build and characteristic clacky sound signature make it particularly appealing to those who enjoy a dynamic typing experience, whether for gaming or typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars linear switch crafts a smooth and uninterrupted experience with its innovative POK stem and housing made from a durable blend of Nylon and POM, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a quieter and more fluid keystroke without tactile interruptions. While both switches have unique attributes that cater to different user preferences, the choice ultimately depends on your desired typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Mars switches, significant differences can be observed in both their sound profiles and structural properties. The Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate top housing, known for providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffness. This material's translucency allows for a vivid display of RGB lighting, making it aesthetically pleasing. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs more sound vibrations, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Thus, when typing on these switches, users can expect distinctly different sensory experiences linked to the choice of top housing material.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further contrasts that influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. Both the Beer and the Mars feature polycarbonate and POM (Polyoxymethylene) for their respective bottom housings. The Beer’s polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the characteristics of clarity and resonance, reinforcing the crispness associated with its top housing material. Conversely, the Mars employs a POM bottom housing that is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. This variance creates a unique interplay of auditory qualities, allowing the Mars’s sound to be less piercing and more subdued compared to the Beer switch.
Overall, the combination of different materials for the top and bottom housings in both switches demonstrates how they contribute to distinct auditory and tactile experiences. While both switches may share the polycarbonate material in their respective bottom housing (Beer) and the POM material in the Mars’s bottom housing, the way sound is shaped by the top and bottom configurations differs significantly. The Beer switch typically delivers a brighter sound due to the dominance of polycarbonate, while the Mars switch promotes a more muted and rounded auditory feedback thanks to the nylon and POM materials, respectively. Therefore, the varying properties of these materials result in a contrasting experience when typing, despite potential similarities in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different typing preferences due to their distinct actuation forces. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which is beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Mars switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a more tactile and deliberate typing experience. While the Beer switch also has a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Mars switch lacks this specification, leaving us to wonder about its bottom out experience. Thus, if you prefer a lighter feel, the Gateron Beer is the better choice, while those inclined towards a heavier switch might lean towards the Mars, despite not knowing its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Beer switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Mars switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, if you're seeking a more responsive feel, the Gateron Beer would be the preferable option due to its shorter travel distance. This results in quicker actuation, catering well to gamers and users who prioritize speed. Conversely, the Mars switch, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial actuation depth, which might appeal to those who favor a more tactile experience when typing or gaming. Overall, while both switches fall into the realm of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Gateron Mars provides a slight advantage in terms of depth for users who appreciate that extra feedback.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 switches produce a distinctive clacky sound signature that adds a lively character to your typing experience. This clackiness is described as sharp, bright, and percussive, providing an engaging auditory feedback that many enthusiasts enjoy. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches have an unknown sound profile, which means that they might offer a different auditory experience that remains to be explored. Depending on the keyboard choice and keycaps you use, the sound produced by the Mars may vary significantly, but it doesn't present a defined auditory quality like the Beer does.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Beer switches excel with their easy-to-press design and unique stepped tactility. These switches require minimal force to activate, allowing for a comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, especially during extended use. The stepped tactile feedback means there’s a mild two-stage feel, making it different from more pronounced hypertactile switches. On the other hand, the feel of the Mars switches remains unspecified, so it's challenging to draw a direct comparison in this aspect. This could imply a different tactile experience or potentially a smooth action typical of linear switches, but without concrete details, it’s hard to make definitive statements.
In conclusion, if you're prioritizing sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a lively clacky feedback that enriches your typing experience, while the Gateron Mars linear switch lacks a defined acoustic characteristic. When considering the feel, the Beer’s easy-to-press and stepped tactility provide a level of comfort and responsiveness ideal for daily use, in stark contrast to the undefined tactile quality of the Mars switches. Ultimately, if you lean toward a vibrant auditory experience and a comfortable typing feel, the Gateron Beer will likely be more appealing, whereas the Mars may present a mystery that requires personal exploration.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you seek in a mechanical keyboard experience. If you enjoy a tactile feel with a lightweight keypress and a fun, clacky sound, then the Gateron Beer is the way to go. Its gentle resistance and stepped tactility make it an excellent option for those who want a satisfying typing experience without the strain, especially during long sessions. However, if you prefer the smoothness of a linear switch with an innovative design that excels in quick, uninterrupted key presses, the Gateron Mars might be better suited for you. While information on its bottom-out force is unavailable, the unique POK stem and Nylon-POM blend housing offer a distinct typing sensation that could enhance your gaming or typing performance. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you value tactile feedback and sound or a meticulously smooth typing experience.
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