Gateron Beer vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Gateron Beer and the Jerrzi Violet mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Beer switch stands out for its translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, giving it a distinct look. With a stepped tactility, it provides a gentler feel compared to traditional tactile switches, making it easy to press and producing a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Violet switch is praised for its smooth actuation and pleasingly poppy tactility, resulting in a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. While the Beer switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter, clackier switch, the Violet switch appeals to users seeking a smoother, quieter typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Jerrzi Violet, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. Whether it's the Beer or the Violet, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a clear and resonant sound experience when typing.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of the top housing and providing a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. Meanwhile, the Jerrzi Violet utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by polycarbonate. This distinction in bottom housing material contributes to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Beer and Jerrzi Violet will come down to individual preference in sound profile and feel. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the different bottom housing materials will influence the overall sound and tactile feedback experienced when typing. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate found in the Beer, or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the Violet, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Violet's 45 grams. This means that the Violet requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Beer requires 50 grams while the Violet's force is unknown. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the Beer is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Violet provides a bit more resistance, appealing to those who prefer a heavier typing feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, both switches offer a tactile typing experience, with slight variations in force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Jerrzi Violet has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Beer. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Jerrzi Violet to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth 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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 switch offers a distinct clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch produces a neutral sound signature, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for various settings. Both switches will provide satisfying auditory feedback, but the Beer switch will have a more pronounced and lively sound compared to the Violet switch.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer switch is characterized by being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation, making typing effortless and comfortable. Its stepped tactility provides a subtle and gentle tactile feedback, enhancing the typing experience without causing finger fatigue. Similarly, the Jerrzi Violet switch also features a stepped tactile feel, providing a smooth actuation and a pleasingly poppy tactility. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a tactile response, although the Gateron Beer switch may have a lighter and more effortless feel compared to the Jerrzi Violet switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer and Jerrzi Violet switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gateron Beer switch provides a distinct clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, offering a refreshing typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a neutral sound signature and a smooth actuation with stepped tactility, providing a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider the following: If you prefer a light bottom out force and enjoy a unique sparkling design with a characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth actuation, poppy tactility, and a neutral sound signature, the Jerrzi Violet switch could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and enhances your overall typing experience.
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