Gateron Beer vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer and the SP-Star Duck mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they each offer unique advantages for different preferences. The Gateron Beer stands out with its translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, providing a light and refreshing typing experience with a stepped tactility and distinctive clacky sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck offers a more subtle tactile typing experience, with a gentle tactility and clean, crispy sound profile. While the Beer switch is described as 'Clacky' and 'Easy-to-press', the Duck switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the SP-Star Duck, both switches use polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will offer a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile that comes from the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate plastic. Visually, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of these switches. Therefore, in terms of material and sound profile, the Beer and Duck are very similar and will provide comparable results when used.
However, where the two switches may differ is in their overall build quality and design. The Gateron Beer may have a different design or layout compared to the SP-Star Duck, which can affect the overall feel and user experience when typing or gaming. Additionally, the thickness or specific composition of the polycarbonate material used in each switch's housing may vary, leading to subtle differences in sound and feel when typing. These nuances in design and construction may sway users towards one switch over the other based on personal preferences.
Furthermore, the distribution of the housing material between the top and bottom of the switch can impact the typing experience. The qualities brought by the polycarbonate material in the bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This division of characteristics may lead to a different typing sensation between the two switches, as the design and composition of the housings can vary slightly. Ultimately, users may choose between the Gateron Beer and SP-Star Duck based on their preferred typing sound, feel, and overall design.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Beer requires 50 grams, whereas the Duck needs 58 grams, making the Duck the heavier option. The lighter actuation force of the Beer may make it more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Duck provides a more substantial typing experience. Overall, those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Beer, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Duck for a medium actuation force with a heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Duck has a longer travel distance compared to the Beer. The difference may seem minimal, but it can affect the overall typing experience. Those who prefer a shorter travel distance may opt for the Beer switch for faster response times, especially useful for gamers. On the other hand, the Duck switch with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who enjoy a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 is known for its clacky sound signature, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, which is moderate in volume and suitable for various settings without being too loud or distracting. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference regarding sound feedback during typing.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press with a light actuation force, providing a gentle resistance that makes typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, it boasts a stepped tactility, offering a more subtle and nuanced typing experience compared to other switches. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is known for its mild and buttery typing feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Furthermore, it is described as polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing sensation. Choosing between the two would come down to individual preference regarding typing comfort and tactile feedback.
Taking into account all the available information, it is evident that the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer switch provides a more clacky and easy-to-press experience with stepped tactility, the Duck switch offers a neutral sound profile with a mild and buttery typing feel. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on the user's preferences, ensuring that regardless of choice, users can expect a high-quality performance with either switch option.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Gateron Beer if you prefer a light bottom out force, a clacky sound profile, an easy-to-press and stepped feel, and are drawn to its unique translucent green design. On the other hand, go for the SP-Star Duck if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a neutral sound profile, a mild, buttery, and polished feel, and are looking for a subtle tactile typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound, and design aesthetics.
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