Gateron Beer vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch. The Gateron Beer switch, inspired by the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle, offers a unique translucent green design and a refreshingly lightweight feel. Its stepped tactility provides a subtler tactile experience compared to traditional round tactility, coupled with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is hailed as one of the most innovative linear switches in recent times, with a semi-silent operation that minimizes topping-out noise while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Known for its silky smooth type feel, this switch offers a blend of subdued, neutral, snappy, and buttery attributes. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, 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
62g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, it is evident that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. The similarities in their top housing material indicate that users can expect a similar sound profile and visual effect when using either switch.
On the other hand, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Beer utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, matching its top housing material. This results in a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience, with the stiffness of polycarbonate contributing to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the Jwick switch potentially offering a quieter typing sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both the Gateron Beer and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the difference in their bottom housing materials, with the Beer using polycarbonate and the Jwick using nylon, leads to variations in the sound produced during typing. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile or a deeper and fuller one, understanding the impact of different housing materials can help you choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Beer requires 50 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear needs 62 grams. The Beer switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Beer switch. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer these shorter travel distances for faster key presses. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial keypress with greater depth, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may be the preferred option due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress feel and response time.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 clacky sound signature, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more subdued sound that is whisper-quiet on topping-out and clacky on bottom-out. This difference in sound profile allows for a unique auditory experience with each switch, catering to different preferences. However, both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience depending on the user's preference and environment.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press with a stepped tactility, providing gentle resistance during key presses and a subtler feel compared to other tactile switches. Conversely, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, along with a snappy and buttery feel that is smooth and fluid. The differences in feel between the two switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing comfort and responsiveness, allowing users to choose the one that suits their typing style best.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Beer switch provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, stepped tactility, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued sound and a mild, snappy, and buttery feel. Depending on the user's preference for sound profile and typing experience, both switches provide excellent options to enhance the overall typing experience. It's essential to consider these factors along with other personal preferences when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your preferences and priorities. If you're looking for a light switch with a unique tactile experience and a clacky sound profile, the Beer may be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a semi-silent top-out sound, smooth typing experience, and a neutral sound profile, the Semi-Silent Linear could be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and the type of sound and feel you prefer in a keyboard switch. Choose the switch that best suits your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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