Gateron Beer vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Brown mechanical keyboard switches, both share the common feature of being tactile switches that provide a satisfying feedback while typing. The Beer stands out with its unique translucent green design, reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, and offers a lighter actuation force with a stepped tactility that gives a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches offer a medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort, as well as a familiar and delightful auditory experience. While the Beer is characterized as 'clacky', 'easy-to-press', and 'stepped', the WS Brown falls into a different category.
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
N/A
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
3.80 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
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Brown feature unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Beer utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the WS Brown opts for a nylon top housing which elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the Beer's top housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting thanks to its translucency, the WS Brown's nylon top housing offers a classic feel with a rounder sound quality.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the two switches, the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Brown continue to exhibit distinct characteristics. The Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring its top housing properties of creating a clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Brown employs a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. These differences in bottom housing materials showcase how each switch can offer a unique typing experience depending on the specific material used in their construction.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings of switches like the Gateron Beer and Wuque Studio WS Brown highlight the importance of housing materials in determining sound quality and typing feel. While the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Beer provide a consistent sharp and resonant sound profile, the nylon top and bottom housings of the WS Brown offer a deeper and fuller sound experience. Understanding how these materials affect sound production can help enthusiasts choose switches that align with their preferences for typing feedback and acoustic output.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, the main difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the WS Brown, whose actuation force is unknown. However, in terms of bottom out force, the WS Brown requires a heavier 55 grams compared to the Beer's 50 grams. This means that while the Beer may offer a lighter typing experience with a lower actuation force, the WS Brown provides a slightly more substantial feel with a higher bottom out force. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately depends 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 Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Beer has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Brown. The shorter travel distance of the Beer may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the WS Brown may provide a more satisfying and in-depth typing experience for those who prefer it. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 is known for its clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and percussive noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch's sound profile is not explicitly described, so it may offer a different auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as keyboard construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable and low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Beer switch offers a stepped tactility, providing a subtler tactile feedback compared to other switches. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch offers a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing. While the specific tactile profile of the WS Brown switch is not mentioned, it likely offers a familiar and pleasant typing feel that enthusiasts appreciate.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, stepped tactile feel, which may appeal to those looking for a lightweight and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch offers a medium-light actuation force and a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it a solid choice for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so choosing between them will depend on personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a familiar sound and feel, either switch will provide a satisfying typing experience with nuanced differences in sound and tactility.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a clacky sound signature with a stepped tactility, then the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams and value a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, along with a familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination, then the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences when it comes to typing experience and sound profile.
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