Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Type A 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 Type A, a linear switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Beer switch offers a unique and mesmerizing translucent green appearance reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, coupled with a refreshingly lightweight feel and a stepped tactility that provides a subtle touch compared to traditional tactile switches. On the other hand, the Type A switch from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" offers a medium-weight feel and a sound signature with deeper tones, making it a great option for those looking for a more neutral and subdued typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you the most.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Type A, it is clear that they both have distinct characteristics that influence the sound profile of the switches. The Beer's polycarbonate top housing is noted for producing a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiff nature, while the Type A's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This difference in material directly impacts the auditory experience of typing on these switches, catering to different preferences for sound feedback.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the differences between the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing and the Type A's nylon bottom housing are again apparent. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer contributes to its sharp and clear sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Type A emphasizes a deeper and more rounded sound. These contrasting characteristics show how the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches, providing users with options to tailor their typing experience to their liking.
While the housing materials for the top and bottom of the Gateron Beer and Type A switches differ, it is important to note how these materials work together to create a holistic typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings, respectively, ensures that users can enjoy a balance of sharpness and depth in sound feedback. Ultimately, whether one prefers the crisper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, showcasing the versatility of housing materials in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Type A linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel. Both switches provide tactile feedback during typing, but the Beer switch requires less force to actuate compared to the Type A switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference for typing pressure and feedback intensity.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Type A linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Type A linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer tactile switch. The Beer switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Type A switch's longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer it. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Type A comes in at $4.70 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 offers a distinctive clacky sound signature, which provides a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A linear switch produces a more neutral and subdued sound profile, leaning towards the deeper side of the sound spectrum. While the Beer switch delivers a lively and characteristic clackiness, the Type A switch offers a more restrained and mellow sound experience, catering to different preferences in keyboard acoustics.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, featuring a lightweight actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, the Beer switch offers a stepped tactility, providing a subtle two-stage feel that adds a unique touch to the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Type A linear switch does not have specific descriptors provided for its feel. However, considering its positioning as a medium-weight switch, it likely offers a balanced resistance during key presses without the pronounced tactile feedback of the Beer switch.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer switch excels in providing a lively and clacky sound signature along with an easy-to-press and stepped tactile feel, the Type A switch presents a more neutral and subdued sound profile without specific descriptors for its tactile feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches have their own unique characteristics that can cater to different users. Ultimately, selecting between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a unique clacky sound signature, the Beer switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a sound profile that leans towards the deeper side, the Type A switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so consider what factors are most important to you when selecting the best switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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