Gateron Beer vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and SP-Star Polaris Gray offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Gateron Beer, with its translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, is a tactile switch that stands out for its lightweight feel and stepped tactility. This switch provides a subtler tactile feedback compared to the usual round tactility of Gateron switches, accompanied by a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray is a linear switch that is favored for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Beer switch is categorized as 'clacky', 'easy-to-press', and 'stepped', the Polaris Gray switch is characterized by being 'low-pitched', 'neutral', 'mild', 'thocky', and 'polished'. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feel or a smoother linear typing experience, each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, it's clear that they both use polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This means that in terms of sound profile and aesthetics, they will provide similar results. Both switches will have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, their translucency allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making them visually appealing choices for those looking to customize their keyboards with lighting effects.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, the Gateron Beer and SP-Star Polaris Gray may differ in their overall design and construction. The way in which the housings are shaped and assembled could impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switches. Differences in the thickness or shape of the housings could affect the acoustics and feel of the switches. Additionally, variations in the manufacturing process and quality control measures could result in slight differences in the final product, even if they both use polycarbonate for their housings.
It's important to note that while the housing materials may be the same for both switches, the overall typing experience could still vary depending on factors such as spring weight, stem design, and lubrication. These factors will ultimately play a significant role in the feel and sound of the switch when typing. Therefore, while both the Gateron Beer and SP-Star Polaris Gray may offer similar sound profiles and aesthetics due to their polycarbonate housings, other aspects of the switch design may lead to subtle differences in the typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch. The Beer requires 38 grams of force to actuate, while the Polaris Gray has an unknown actuation force. When it comes to bottom out force, the Beer also requires less pressure at 50 grams compared to the Polaris Gray's 67 grams. This means that the Beer switch provides a lighter feel overall, making it easier to type on for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Beer being better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch and the Polaris Gray for those who prefer a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer switch offers a slightly quicker and more responsive keystroke due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for fast response times. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch provides a deeper and more substantial key press experience with its longer travel distance, which some users might prefer for a more satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and typing experience.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a unique clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is noted for its clean and clacky sound profile, with a low-pitched and thocky tone. Both switches have their own distinct sound profiles, with the Beer being more on the crisp and bright side while the Polaris Gray leans towards a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on personal preferences, one may prefer the sharpness of the Beer or the deep richness of the Polaris Gray.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press and featuring stepped tactility. This switch provides a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. Both switches offer their own unique feel, with the Beer being lighter and subtler in tactility while the Polaris Gray provides a more balanced and polished typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a distinct clacky sound signature and an easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility. Meanwhile, the Polaris Gray switch offers a clean and clacky sound profile with a balanced and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Whether opting for the sharpness of the Beer or the smoothness of the Polaris Gray, users can expect a premium mechanical keyboard experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a switch with a unique stepped tactility and clacky sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and appreciate a clean, clacky sound profile with a bouncy typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
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