Gateron Beer vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, a linear switch. The Beer switch stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green color inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, offering a refreshing and light typing experience. With a stepped tactility and characteristic clacky sound signature, this switch is perfect for those looking for an easy-to-press and slightly tactile feel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch boasts a Creamsicle hue and a rich, bassy sound profile that adds an indulgent touch to typing. With a unique Ly stem and factory lube method ensuring a smooth glide and highly responsive typing experience, this switch is ideal for users seeking a frictionless and polished feel. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique features and benefits, but diving deeper into their specific qualities can help you choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron Beer utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when compared to other materials. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow differs in its housing materials, with a POM top and bottom housing. POM housings create a unique sound profile that tends to be deeper and more muted than polycarbonate. While not as sharp or high-pitched, POM offers a pleasing typing experience with a distinct sound quality. The material's characteristics contribute to a more subdued overall sound, which may be preferred by some users who value a quieter typing experience.
Despite their differences, both the Gateron Beer and Everglide Sunset Yellow housing materials have their own distinct advantages. The polycarbonate housing of the Beer provides a sharper and clearer sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a more vibrant typing experience and prefer RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Sunset Yellow offers a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to users looking for a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch. The Beer requires 38 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Sunset Yellow needs 43 grams to actuate and 51 grams to bottom out. This makes the Beer better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, such as for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a slightly heavier typing feel, which some may find more satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide a different typing experience, with the Beer being lighter and the Sunset Yellow being slightly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm compared to the Beer's 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are favored by gamers for faster response times. The slight difference of 0.2 mm may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Sunset Yellow may be the better choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper press when typing may prefer the slightly longer travel distance offered by the Beer switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key press 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, making typing sessions lively and engaging. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a bassy and thocky sound, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses, adding a sense of depth and indulgence to the typing experience. Both switches present unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Beer emphasizing sharpness while the Sunset Yellow focuses on richness.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and stepped, offering a light actuation force and a two-stage tactile feel that enhances typing comfort. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation that allows fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. While the Beer switch emphasizes a responsive and low-impact feel, the Sunset Yellow switch focuses on providing a luxurious and refined typing experience with minimal friction.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer switch leans towards a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a bassy sound and a creamy, polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the sharp and snappy allure of the Beer switch or the rich and indulgent feel of the Sunset Yellow switch. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different tastes, providing a customized typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a light actuation force and enjoy a clacky sound profile, the Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a bassy and satisfying sound profile, along with a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Sunset Yellow switch could be the perfect fit. Consider the type of typing experience you value the most and choose accordingly. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience in different ways.
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