Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and Gateron Type S stand out as popular options with unique features. The Gateron Beer, with its mesmerizing translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, offers a tactile typing experience that is easy to press and features a stepped tactility. This switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a more lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S, a flagship offering from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash," is a linear switch that provides a more subdued and neutral typing experience. With a 65g bottom-out weight, it caters to those who prefer a weightier keystroke while offering a contemporary factory lubing technique for smoother operation. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it's important to delve deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch best suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Type S, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences due to their different materials. The Beer's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Type S's nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. While polycarbonate offers a more resonant sound due to its stiffness, nylon absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Beer allows for RGB lighting effects, which is not a feature of the Type S.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the switches, the differences persist. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing continues to contribute to a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Type S's nylon bottom housing maintains a deeper and fuller sound. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is notable, with polycarbonate providing a clearer bottom-out sound than nylon. This differentiation in material directly influences the overall typing experience and the auditory feedback received while using each switch.
Overall, while the Gateron Beer and Gateron Type S share similarities in their respective top and bottom housing materials, the differences in sound profiles and tactile experiences are noteworthy. The polycarbonate material in the Beer results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the nylon material in the Type S produces a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, as each offers a distinct typing experience based on the unique qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch to the Gateron Type S linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there is a noticeable difference in weight. The Beer switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Type S switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Beer switch will feel lighter and easier to type on, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Type S switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preference, with the lighter Beer switch being better for longer typing sessions and the heavier Type S switch offering a more solid and tactile typing experience.Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Type S linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Beer has a shorter travel distance compared to the Type S. A shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more hearty feel. Both switches fall within the range of common travel distances, with the Beer being on the shallower end and the Type S being more traditional. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference 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 S 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S linear switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, creating a moderate and dampened acoustic experience. The choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a crisper and brighter sound like the Beer switch or a more balanced and subtle sound like the Type S switch.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering a gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the Beer switch features a stepped tactility, providing a mild two-stage feel during key presses. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Gateron Type S linear switch is not available, but based on its 65g bottom-out weight, it is likely to offer a more substantial and weighted keystroke compared to the lightweight Beer switch.
Overall, when considering the sound and feel of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, it is evident that the Beer switch offers a more distinctive and clacky sound with easy-to-press and stepped tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Type S switch provides a neutral and subdued sound profile along with a presumed heavier keystroke feel. Choosing between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound, key feel, and typing experience. Both switches are high-quality options that can cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter key press with a unique clacky sound and a stepped tactility, the Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy key press with a neutral sound profile and a subdued acoustic experience, the Type S switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your preference for key feel, sound signature, and typing experience will guide you in selecting the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
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