Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as two compelling, yet distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Beer, with its unique stepped tactility, offers a delightful tactile feedback that evokes the refreshing experience of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Its lightweight design and clacky sound signature make it a fun choice for those who appreciate a more engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie showcases a medium-weight all-POM construction that offers a velvety smoothness with its thocky sound profile, appealing to users who favor a seamless keystroke without the interruption of tactile bumps. While both switches provide their own unique advantages, the choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer the tactile engagement of the Beer or the fluidity of the Sea Salt Smoothie. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches both exhibit distinct sound profiles due to the different materials used in their top and bottom housings. The Beer switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiff and clear properties, which contribute to a sharper and crisper sound. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, which caters to those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. As a result, when it comes to the typing experience, users will likely notice a significant difference in sound between the two switches, emphasizing the importance of housing material in crafting the overall acoustic characteristics.
Similarly, the bottom housings also play a crucial role in shaping the switches' sound profiles. Both switches employ polycarbonate for the Beer bottom housing, which generates a consistent and resonant sound profile that aligns with its top housing. This uniformity enhances the clarity and brightness of the sound produced when a key bottoms out. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing, crafted from POM, complements its top housing by delivering the same deep and muted auditory feedback, creating a cohesive sound experience throughout the switch. Since the bottom housing has a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel, users who favor a richer, deeper tactile sensation will find the Sea Salt Smoothie appealing, while those desiring crisp responsiveness will gravitate toward the Gateron Beer.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Beer and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie boils down to personal preference for sound and feel. The Beer switch, with its entirely polycarbonate housing, guarantees a sharp and bright auditory experience ideal for RGB enthusiasts who appreciate the visual aspect of their keyboard. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie's combination of POM materials for both top and bottom housings yields a unique auditory quality that appeals to users seeking a more muted and balanced sound. If one were to seek similar results, using both switches in a similar keyboard setup while considering the housing materials could yield specific sound outcomes, amplifying the overall typing experience through the unique properties of each switch's materials.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch differ significantly in their actuation forces. The Beer switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie's heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This difference means that the Beer switch is more conducive for extended typing sessions or gaming, as users will likely find it easier to press over long periods without fatigue. In terms of bottom out forces, the Beer switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which adds a bit more resistance when the switch is fully pressed, enhancing tactile feedback. Unfortunately, the Sea Salt Smoothie lacks a specified bottom out force, making direct comparisons in that regard challenging. However, if the bottom out force were to be similar, the typing experience would likely feel more consistent across both switches. Overall, those who prefer a lighter touch will find the Beer switch more appealing, while those who favor a heavier push will lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Gateron Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Beer the shorter option, which might appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances typically allow for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a less abrupt experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 known for its distinctive clacky sound profile. This translates into a sharp and snappy auditory experience, where each key press is met with a crisp and percussive response, creating an engaging typing atmosphere. In contrast, while the sound profile of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has not been explicitly detailed, it can be inferred to remain quieter than the Beer due to its smoother actuation style typically associated with linear switches. However, the overall sound production of both switches will ultimately depend on additional factors such as the keyboard build and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switch offers a compelling experience with its lightweight actuation and stepped tactility. This design allows for minimal resistance during key presses, making it a comfortable choice for extensive typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. The stepped nature enhances keypress feedback with a noticeable bump at key actuation points, allowing typists to enjoy a uniquely engaging tactile sensation. The Sea Salt Smoothie has not been explicitly described regarding its feel; however, its classification as a linear switch suggests a smoother action with no tactile bump, offering a more uninterrupted keystroke. This difference will appeal to those who prefer a seamless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch presents a lively, clacky auditory experience paired with an engaging tactile feedback that is quite enjoyable for those who appreciate a pronounced typing sensation. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, likely leaning towards a quieter sound with its linear nature, offers smooth key presses that cater to different typing preferences. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, each switch provides its unique advantages, allowing users to choose based on their typing style and aesthetic preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch should ultimately align with your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a lively and tactile typing experience, particularly if you often type for extended periods and appreciate a lighter keypress, the Beer switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its distinct clacky sound profile and the subtle stepped tactility give a delightful responsive feel, enhancing your overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter keystroke without the tactile feedback, the Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch may better suit your style. Its medium-weight characteristic offers a satisfying typing experience with a ‘thocky’ sound that many users find appealing for both gaming and long typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to whether you value the tactile feedback and clackiness of the Beer, or the smooth and quiet proficiency of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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