Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Quinn mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Beer switch is known for its translucent green appearance, lightweight feel, stepped tactility, and characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Quinn switch stands out for its crisp and light switch-like tactility, deep resonant sound profile, and specially designed nylon housing. While the Beer switch is described as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped', the Quinn switch is characterized as 'Snappy', 'Bassy', 'Polished', 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Accented', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', and 'Resonant'. The Beer switch may be preferred for those who enjoy a lighter touch and a subtle tactile feel, while the Quinn switch appeals to individuals looking for a more immersive and character-filled 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
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
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
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Gateron Quinn both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Beer utilizes a polycarbonate material for both the top and bottom housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. On the other hand, the Quinn uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences - whether you prefer a sharper and higher-pitched sound or a deeper and fuller one.
One key difference between the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Quinn lies in their top housing materials. The Beer features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a clear and resonant sound profile, ideal for users looking to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Quinn's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer properties, offering a different typing experience. This variation in top housing material showcases how different plastics can influence the overall sound and feel of a switch, catering to a wide range of preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Quinn offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer emphasizes a sharp and clear sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Quinn focuses on a deeper and fuller sound. This difference allows users to choose a switch based on their preferred sound profile, whether they prefer a crisper sound or a more rounded tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch are quite different. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Quinn's heavier actuation force of 59 grams. Similarly, the Beer has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Quinn has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Beer would provide a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Quinn would offer a more substantial and firmer typing feel. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Beer being lighter and the Quinn being heavier, catering to different preferences and needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred for typing.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Whether you choose the Beer or the Quinn, you can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience. The travel distance of both switches is identical, making it a matter of personal preference when deciding between the two.
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 Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn 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 tactile switch is characterized by its unique clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each key press. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is known for its bassy and resonant sound profile, offering a deeper and richer acoustics during typing. While both switches have distinct sound qualities, the Beer switch provides a more percussive and bright tone, whereas the Quinn switch offers a lower frequency range and a more immersive auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and stepped, providing a gentle resistance and a mild tactile feedback throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is characterized as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, offering a highly responsive typing experience with a smooth and refined key travel. While the Beer switch focuses on lightweight actuation and stepped tactility, the Quinn switch emphasizes responsiveness and a luxurious typing sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, offering a refreshing and light typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch impresses users with its bassy and resonant sound profile, combined with a snappy and polished feel for a rich and immersive typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can deliver satisfying results for users seeking tactile feedback and distinctive sound profiles in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smoother, stepped tactility with a clacky sound signature, then the Beer switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a crisp, deep tactile bump with a bassy and resonant sound profile, then the Quinn switch may suit your typing style and preferences better. Consider how you like your switches to feel and sound when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience in different ways, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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