Gateron Beer vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Beer and the Kailh Sage mechanical keyboard switches, you're presented with some intriguing options. The Beer, with its translucent green design and stepped tactility, offers a light and easy-to-press typing experience with a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Sage provides a heavier weight and a sharp, crunchy clickiness that is sure to invigorate your typing sessions. Both switches have their unique appeal, but ultimately, the one you choose will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Kailh Sage both feature polycarbonate top housings which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a more resonant sound. Both switches are aesthetically pleasing with their clear housing which is especially advantageous for RGB lighting. However, the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing adds to this sharp sound profile, while the Sage's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in bottom housing material results in a different typing experience between the two switches.
In terms of overall sound, the Gateron Beer and Kailh Sage both offer clear and crisp sound profiles due to their polycarbonate top housings. However, the Sage's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound compared to the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing materials can affect the typing experience and the overall acoustics of the switches. While both switches are suitable for RGB lighting due to their clear polycarbonate top housings, the material of the bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound produced.
When comparing the Gateron Beer and Kailh Sage switches, the impact of the housing materials becomes apparent during typing. The polycarbonate top housing on both switches creates a sharp and clear sound when pressing down on the keys. However, the type of material used for the bottom housing influences the sound and feel upon bottoming out the keys. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharp impact, while the Sage's nylon bottom housing offers a softer and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the desired typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Kailh Sage clicky switch. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sage has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Beer requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Sage. Those who prefer a light typing experience may opt for the Beer, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Sage provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Kailh Sage clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Despite the small difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches, it can still impact the overall feel and response of the key press. Gamers who prefer quicker response times may opt for the Gateron Beer switch, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Kailh Sage switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the current market. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy noise reminiscent of a crisp and bright percussive tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch provides a crunchy sound, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, with the Beer being more on the sharp side while the Sage gives off a crunchy sound, which can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Beer switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a responsive and low-impact typing experience. It also features a stepped tactility, providing a more subtle feel compared to other tactile switches. In contrast, the Kailh Sage switch provides an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a sharp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with every keystroke. While the Beer switch focuses on easy activation and a mild tactile experience, the Sage switch offers a more firm and reactive typing feel.
Considering both the sound and feel qualities of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, they provide different experiences for users. The Gateron Beer switch offers a lighter and clacky typing experience with easy activation and subtle tactility, while the Kailh Sage switch delivers a heavier, crunchy click with a more pronounced feedback and firm actuation force. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the unique characteristics of these switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences, providing users with a variety of options to customize their mechanical keyboard setups.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a light and easy-to-press switch with a subtle tactility and a clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier and more invigorating typing experience with a sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you are looking for. Happy typing!
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