Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch, there are a few key differences to consider. The Beer switch offers a unique experience with its translucent green design and stepped tactility, providing a lighter and more refreshing feel compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch stands out for its all-POM construction, delivering a thocky sound and buttery smoothness that is unmatched in its price range. While the Beer switch may appeal to those looking for a clacky and easy-to-press switch, the Smoothie switch is perfect for those seeking a low-pitched, creamy, and silky 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Smoothie, we can see that the top housing of the Beer is made of polycarbonate, while the Smoothie's top housing is made of POM. The polycarbonate top housing of the Beer creates a sharper, crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and more muted sound profile produced by the POM top housing of the Smoothie. This difference in sound profiles can significantly impact the overall typing experience for the user, depending on their preferences for sound and feel.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Beer and Smoothie use polycarbonate for the bottom housing. This means that they both share similar characteristics in terms of creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. However, the bottom housing of a switch typically has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, which may result in a slight variation in the overall typing experience between the two switches. Despite this difference in the impact of the bottom housing, the similarity in material may lead to comparable results in terms of sound characteristics.
Overall, the choice of housing material for a switch can greatly affect the sound profile and typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of the Gateron Beer creates a consistent sound profile that is sharp and crisp. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie's combination of POM top housing and polycarbonate bottom housing results in a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. Understanding these differences in housing materials can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and feel when choosing between the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Smoothie switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams. This means that the Beer switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. Additionally, the Beer has a bottom out force of 50 grams, adding a bit more resistance when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Smoothie switch is unknown, making it difficult to determine its overall heaviness. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Beer switch might be a better option due to its slightly higher bottom out force. However, if the Smoothie switch has a higher bottom out force, it could potentially provide a similar typing experience despite the lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with weight being a key factor to consider for optimal typing or gaming performance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the Beer tactile switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times during gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced keypress sensation may opt for the Smoothie linear switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress feel and responsiveness.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 characteristic clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying. The low-pitched and subdued nature of the Smoothie's sound provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the bright and percussive sound of the Beer. Please note that the actual sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and features a stepped tactility, providing a subtle two-stage experience during key presses. This lightweight touch offers gentle resistance and requires minimal force to activate, enhancing the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is praised for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke feel. This seamless and effortless sensation allows for a uniform typing experience, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, they both provide exceptional typing experiences in their own ways. The Beer switch excels in providing a clacky sound with easy-to-press and stepped tactility, while the Smoothie switch delivers a thocky sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound, tactility, and typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to different user preferences. If you are seeking a more tactile and lighter typing experience, the Beer switch may be the ideal choice, whereas if you prefer a smoother and thocky sound along with a buttery typing feel, the Smoothie switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, experimenting with these switches on different setups can further enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the factors of sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky sound and easy-to-press, stepped tactile switch that evokes the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle, then the Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth feel, the Smoothie switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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