Gateron Beer vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Gateron Beer tactile switches and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches. The Gateron Beer switches charm users with their unique stepped tactility and a delightful clacky sound that mimics the fizz of a Tsingtao beer bottle, making them a fantastic option for those who enjoy a tactile response and auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the WS POM+ switches offer a smooth and satisfying keystroke, enhancing the typing experience with a deep "thock" sound that many enthusiasts find fulfilling. While the Beer switch is perfect for those who prefer a more engaging, tactile interaction, the WS POM+ is ideal for users seeking a quieter, seamless keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Beer Tactile

Wuque Studio WS POM+ Linear

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

$3.90 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When analyzing the Gateron Beer switches and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, the differences between the housing materials significantly influence their respective sound profiles. The Gateron Beer switches feature a polycarbonate top and bottom housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This crispness can be attributed to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which lends clarity and resonance to the auditory feedback of the switch. Furthermore, polycarbonate's translucency enhances its visual appeal, particularly when used with RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice for customizable keyboards aiming for both performance and aesthetics.

In contrast, the WS POM+ switches utilize a POM (Polyoxymethylene) housing, which imparts a distinctly different sound profile. The POM top and bottom housings yield a deeper, more muted tone, creating an incredibly pleasing auditory experience that is quite the opposite of the Gateron Beer’s sharper notes. This unique sound characteristic stems from POM’s material properties, which tend to absorb and reduce the pitch of sound produced during keystrokes. Consequently, users looking for a more subdued and comforting typing experience would gravitate towards POM, rather than the high-pitched feedback of polycarbonate.

Notably, the combination of top and bottom housings plays a critical role in the overall sound and feel of each switch. For the Gateron Beer, both housings contribute to its clear, resonant sound, ensuring that every keystroke produces a vibrant auditory response. Meanwhile, with the WS POM+, the separation of the two housing materials creates a more muted sound profile, with the bottom housing's influence being felt during the bottom-out action and the top housing affecting the release sound. While the two switches use different materials, users can expect each to offer a quality typing experience that is uniquely appealing based on their sound preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a good choice for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS POM+ offers a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel while still being relatively comfortable. This means that the Beer switch caters to those who prioritize a softer touch, while the WS POM+ might appeal more to users seeking a slightly firmer resistance. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Gateron Beer stands out, whereas the WS POM+ is the heavier option, offering more resistance for those who appreciate a stronger push feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, we find that the Beer switch has a distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS POM+ extends slightly further at 3.6 mm. This means that the Beer switch is the shorter option, providing a slightly more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, the WS POM+ offers a longer travel distance, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key. The difference in travel distances may cater to varying preferences; if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gateron Beer is the better choice, while the WS POM+ is likely to be more satisfying for users who favor a deeper typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound quality, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by its clacky signature, offering a sharp and snappy sound that is both crisp and bright. This makes for an engaging auditory experience during typing, providing satisfying feedback with every keystroke. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ produces a deep and resonant "thock" sound, which is often preferred by those who enjoy a more subdued, yet rich acoustic profile. The difference in sound signatures indicates that while the Beer might generate a lively and uplifting atmosphere, the WS POM+ offers a more grounded auditory experience. Ultimately, sound perception can also be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard materials and keycap designs.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer boasts an easy-to-press tactile experience, making it light and comfortable during extended typing sessions. Its stepped tactility presents a milder tactile bump that allows typists to sense both pre-travel and post-travel stages throughout the keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience without being overwhelming. The WS POM+, however, is not described in terms of its tactile characteristics, leaving its exact feel somewhat of an unknown. That said, given that it offers a smooth keystroke, one might expect it to provide a certain level of comfort, potentially akin to those lighter tactile experiences one might find with switches like the Beer.

In summary, both the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches present distinctive qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Beer’s clacky sound combined with an easy-to-press and stepped tactile feel caters well to those looking for an engaging yet comfortable typing experience. The WS POM+, with its deep thock sound and buttery smoothness, will likely attract users seeking a more subdued typing experience. Each switch has its unique charm, ensuring that whether you prefer a more exciting auditory feedback or a smooth and subtle interaction, you can find satisfaction with either option.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch hinges on your preferences for feedback and sound when typing. If you enjoy a light typing experience and appreciate a tactile response that's easy on the fingers, the Beer switch is an excellent option. Its lightweight actuation force of 50 grams, combined with its unique stepped tactility and distinct clacky sound, makes it perfect for those who like an engaging yet forgiving typing feel. This switch is especially well-suited for casual typing, gaming, or for users who may find themselves typing for long durations without experiencing fatigue. Conversely, if you prefer the smoothness of a linear switch paired with a satisfying, deep "thock" sound, the WS POM+ might be your ideal choice. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 55 grams, this switch offers more resistance without being overwhelming. The buttery-smooth keystroke and the robust sound signature make it great for heavier typing tasks or when you wish to minimize distraction in quieter environments. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style, sonic preferences, and the overall experience you wish to create with your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Beer Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS POM+ Linear

$3.90 per 10

Learn more