Gateron Beer vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the Jwick Splash Brothers offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The Gateron Beer is a tactile switch that evokes the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle with its mesmerizing translucent green design. Known for its refreshingly lightweight build and stepped tactility, this switch provides a subtler tactile feel compared to others, accompanied by a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers is a linear switch inspired by the dynamic duo of Steph and Klay, offering a shorter activation and a long pole stem for a great typing feel. With a creamy sound signature, this switch is categorized as neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. While the Beer switch is easy-to-press and clacky, the Splash Brothers switch is smooth and snappy. 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the Jwick Splash Brothers utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of this relatively stiff plastic material creates a clear and resonant sound that is especially ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The transparent nature of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in their bottom housing composition.
In contrast to the similar polycarbonate top housings, the Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing the sharp and clear sound profile associated with this material. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers opt for a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound experience due to the softer nature of nylon. The use of nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to those seeking a different typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Gateron Beer and the Jwick Splash Brothers plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the Gateron Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing further enhances this profile. In comparison, the Jwick Splash Brothers' nylon bottom housing provides a different sound dynamic, with a deeper and fuller sound quality due to the softer nature of nylon. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials contributes to the overall typing feel and sound output of these switches.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a relatively light bottom out force, with the Beer at 50 grams and the Splash Brothers at 48 grams. This means that while the Beer requires less force to register a keystroke, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a light bottom out force. Some users may prefer the Beer for its slightly lighter actuation force, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their typing experience may lean towards the Splash Brothers with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm length, which is favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the Beer switch is slightly shorter than the Splash Brothers switch, providing a slightly quicker key press experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial key press feeling. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience due to their close travel distances, but the Beer switch may feel slightly snappier while the Splash Brothers switch may feel slightly more deliberate.
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 Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its distinctive clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches will deliver satisfying sound feedback, but the Beer switch will offer a more pronounced and percussive sound, while the Splash Brothers switch will have a more moderate and versatile sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out for its easy-to-press nature and stepped tactility, providing a gentle and responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a mild and approachable typing feel, with snappy and bouncy characteristics for a lively typing experience. The Beer switch offers a unique stepped feel with easy actuation, while the Splash Brothers switch provides a more versatile typing experience with its various characteristics.
Overall, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a clacky sound and a lightweight, easy-to-press feel, the Beer switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound and a versatile typing feel with snappy and bouncy characteristics, the Splash Brothers switch will meet your needs. With these switches, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that aligns with your preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a light actuation force and a subtle tactile feel with a unique clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and responsive typing experience with features like a creamy sound and bouncy, snappy feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, making a decision between these switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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