Gateron Beer vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green housing that evokes the allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Known for its lightweight feel and stepped tactility, the Beer switch provides a subtle tactile feedback with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, a linear switch, features a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses users in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a bouncy feel with each keystroke, striking a balance with its standard spring weight. While the Beer switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped', the Tourmaline Blue is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different types of users. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings. This results in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in clear housings allows for the translucency to enhance the RGB lighting effects for those who are interested in customizable lighting options for their keyboards. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when using either switch in their mechanical keyboards.
While both the Gateron Beer and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, it is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of the switches differently. The bottom housing material will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the specific placement of the housing materials can create a unique typing experience for users, despite both switches sharing the same material composition for their housings.
Overall, the choice of polycarbonate for the housing materials of both the Gateron Beer and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue speaks to the importance of creating a clear and resonant sound profile in mechanical keyboard switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more precise and defined sound, which is ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate housings enhances the visual appeal of the switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, the similarities in housing materials between these two switches suggest that users can expect comparable performance and aesthetics when choosing between the Gateron Beer and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we see a clear difference in weight. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The Beer is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, catering to users who enjoy a stronger push sensation. Both switches offer unique benefits, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer switch provides a quicker response time, which may be preferred by gamers for faster actions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a slightly deeper feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more comfortable for typing or gaming. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the choice ultimately coming down to personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference and the overall typing experience you're aiming for.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer switch is described as easy-to-press and stepped, offering a subtler tactile feel with a lighter actuation force. On the contrary, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke that is approachable to most users. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience with their unique tactile characteristics, so the choice between them would boil down to individual preference in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch leans towards a clacky sound signature and a stepped tactile feel, while the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a neutral sound profile and a buttery, mild typing experience. Ultimately, your preference would determine which switch suits your typing style and preferences best. However, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of overall performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preferences for key feel and sound. If you prefer a light and easy-to-press switch with a unique clacky sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a buttery and mild typing experience with a deep thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. Keep in mind the bottom out force of each switch, with the Beer being lighter at 50 grams and the Tourmaline Blue being medium-heavy at 67 grams. Happy typing!
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