Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Melodic offer unique features to consider. The Beer switch, with its translucent green design reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, provides a lightweight and subtle tactile experience. Known for its clacky sound signature, the Beer switch is easy to press and offers a stepped tactility for a distinctive typing feel. On the other hand, the Melodic switch introduces advancements such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems for a buttery and smooth clicky typing experience. With a resonant and invigorating feel, the Melodic switch delivers classic clicky sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the Beer switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and subtle tactility, while the Melodic switch is perfect for users seeking a smooth and satisfying clicky 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
N/A
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
4.00 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 Melodic both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is great for showcasing RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for those looking to add some colorful flair to their keyboards. Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate in the top housing, the Gateron Melodic may offer a slightly different typing experience as it pairs this material with a nylon bottom housing.
While the top housings of the Gateron Beer and Gateron Melodic are similar in their use of polycarbonate, the bottom housings diverge in material. The Beer utilizes polycarbonate in the bottom housing as well, continuing the trend of creating a sharp, crisp sound profile throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Melodic features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a noticeable variation in sound and feel when typing on the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and Gateron Melodic may come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. The split between polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings of each switch allows for a mix of sharpness and depth in sound production. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing material will have the most significant impact on the sound and feel of bottoming out, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. When it comes to bottom out force, the Beer requires 50 grams to fully press down, while the Melodic needs 60 grams. The Beer provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Melodic offers a slightly heavier feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Melodic clicky switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer switch offers a slightly shallower keypress compared to the Melodic switch, which provides a slightly deeper keypress. For those looking for a faster response time, the Beer switch may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Melodic switch may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress. Both switches offer unique experiences, catering to different preferences in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 offers a characteristic clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch produces a resonant and crunchy sound that is higher-pitched and immersive, akin to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Beer being more on the crisp and bright side while the Melodic is on the cleaner and sharp side, providing users with different sound profiles to choose from depending on their preference.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and stepped, offering gentle resistance during key presses and a subtler tactility compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a buttery and invigorating typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation alongside pronounced feedback and snappy reactive feel. While both switches offer distinct tactile feedback, the Beer is more on the easy-to-press side, making typing effortless and comfortable, while the Melodic offers a more engaging and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provide users with unique sound and feel characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Beer offers a light and clacky experience with easy-to-press keys, while the Melodic provides a smooth and immersive typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a lighter touch or a more pronounced feedback, either switch can enhance your typing experience. Just remember that the sound and feel of a keyboard switch are also dependent on other factors like your choice of keyboard and keycaps, so experiment to find the perfect combination for your typing needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a light and easy-to-press switch with a clacky sound signature, the Beer tactile switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force switch with a buttery and invigorating feel, along with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, then the Melodic clicky switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are seeking.
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