Gateron Beer vs. SP-Star Meteor White

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and the SP-Star Meteor White offer unique experiences for users. The Gateron Beer, with its mesmerizing translucent green reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, is a tactile switch that stands out for its lightweight and stepped tactility. It provides a subtle tactile feedback and produces a characteristic clacky sound, making it perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White is a linear switch known for its subdued nature, offering a gentle and easy-to-push feel with a soft sound profile. This switch is ideal for users looking for a quiet and smooth 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

Gateron Beer Tactile

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and SP-Star Meteor White, it is evident that they each offer unique characteristics that impact the sound profile of the switches. The Beer's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, attributed to its stiffer nature which leads to a more resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Meteor White's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer properties that absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder tone. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Polycarbonate may be more suitable for those who prefer a clearer and more high-pitched sound, while the Nylon is ideal for users seeking a deeper and fuller typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, the Gateron Beer's polycarbonate material once again contributes to a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that complements the top housing. In contrast, the Meteor White's nylon bottom housing absorbs sound to create a duller and rounder tone. This difference in material highlights how the bottom housing can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, with the Polycarbonate producing a more clear and resonant bottom-out sound compared to the Nylon's softer and deeper bottom-out experience. Despite the differences, both materials offer unique benefits that cater to varying user preferences, whether it be a sharper sound or a fuller typing experience.

Overall, while the Gateron Beer and SP-Star Meteor White differ in their housing materials, both switches provide a unique typing experience that caters to a diverse range of preferences. The polycarbonate and nylon materials each bring their own qualities to the switches, impacting the sound profile in distinct ways. Whether it be the sharp and crisp sound of the Beer's polycarbonate housing or the deep and full sound of the Meteor White's Nylon housing, users have the opportunity to choose a switch that aligns with their preferred typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences in sound and feel, with both options offering high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.

Weight

The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Beer is 50 grams, while the Meteor White has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 57 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Beer may be the better choice. Alternatively, the Meteor White provides a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with varying preferences.

Travel distance

The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch. The Beer switch offers a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers who require fast inputs. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch provides a more substantial depth to the key press, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more satisfying tactile experience. Both switches have their advantages based on personal preferences, with the Beer switch being shorter and the Meteor White switch offering a longer travel distance for those who prefer it. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's typing or gaming style and preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a distinctive clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch produces a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile, described as soft and thocky, offering a more subdued and relaxing auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Beer being more energetic and the Meteor White being more calming. Depending on personal preference and environment, users can select the switch that best suits their sound preferences.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch provides an easy-to-press experience, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in an effortless and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the switch adds a subtle two-stage feel, allowing for a more nuanced typing experience. Conversely, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Beer being more responsive and low-impact, while the Meteor White offers a safe and approachable typing feel.

In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer provides a lively and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and stepped feel, catering to individuals who prefer a more energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White offers a gentle and thocky sound profile with a mild and polished feel, appealing to those who seek a more subdued and refined typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance, and users can choose between them based on their personal preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a light actuation force and a subtle tactile feel with a characteristic clacky sound, the Beer tactile switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle linear switch with a medium-light actuation force and a smooth, polished feel along with a soft, thocky sound profile, the Meteor White linear switch could be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you value most.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Beer Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more