Gateron Beer vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and Dareu Master offer unique experiences for users seeking different tactile feedback. The Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green color, evoking the allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Known for its refreshingly lightweight feel, the Beer switch boasts a stepped tactility that provides a subtler sensation compared to the round tactility of other switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Master, a linear switch, offers a medium weight option with a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation. Both switches fall under the 'Clacky' category, but the Beer switch is easy-to-press and stepped, while the Master switch is mild 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and Dareu Master, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Beer's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Master's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can cater to different preferences, with the polycarbonate housing providing a more distinct and resonant sound, and the POM housing offering a softer and more subtle sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Beer's polycarbonate and the Master's POM materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The use of polycarbonate in the Beer's bottom housing creates a sharp and clear sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Master produces a deeper and more muted sound. These differences in sound profiles can impact the overall typing experience, with the polycarbonate bottom housing potentially providing a more pronounced bottom-out sound, and the POM bottom housing offering a more subdued key press experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Beer and Dareu Master switches offer contrasting sound profiles, the quality of the housing materials remains consistent within each switch. The polycarbonate and POM materials each bring unique characteristics to the overall sound profile, catering to different preferences for typing sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Beer's polycarbonate housing, or a deeper, muted sound profile with the Master's POM housing, both switches provide options for a customized typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, it is evident that the Beer is lighter overall. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Master has an actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. The Beer provides a lighter typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Master offers a slightly heavier actuation force, which may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Beer offering a lighter touch and the Master potentially offering a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch is 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 3.4 mm from the top to the bottom. This consistent travel distance ensures a similar typing experience across both switches, allowing for comparable results in terms of keypress feedback and actuation. In conclusion, both switches offer a similar travel distance, providing users with a consistent typing experience regardless of which one they choose.
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 Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Dareu Master linear switch are described as having a clacky sound signature. This means that when pressing these switches, users can expect a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. The sound produced by a switch is not only dependent on the switch itself but also on other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by being easy-to-press and featuring a stepped tactility. This means that these switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, thus making typing effortless and comfortable. The stepped tactility provides a more subdued tactile feel compared to more pronounced tactile switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch is described as having a mild feel and a polished finish. This means that these switches offer a more gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined key travel. The qualities of these switches fall in a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users.
Considering the information provided, it is clear that the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While both switches have a clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature and stepped tactility, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch offers a more mild feel with a polished finish, emphasizing smooth and refined key travel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can make an informed decision on which switch better suits their typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more subtle tactile feel with a characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-weight switch with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness in operation, the Dareu Master switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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