Gateron Beer vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and Wuque Studio WS Yellow offer unique features for different preferences. The Gateron Beer tactile switch is best known for its translucent green color reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle. With a stepped tactility, this switch provides a lighter touch and a characteristic clacky sound signature, making it ideal for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch boasts a classic yet modern design with a 22mm double-stage spring for a satisfying bounce. Its creamy and polished feel, combined with effortless keystrokes, caters to those who enjoy a smooth and fluid 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, it is evident that the polycarbonate top housing of the Beer offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Yellow provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer different sound profiles, they each have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the switches, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer mirrors the qualities of its top housing, offering a sharp and clear sound profile. In comparison, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Yellow continues to provide a deep and full sound profile. Despite their differences in material, both switches maintain a consistent typing experience from top to bottom, ensuring a cohesive and enjoyable typing experience for the user.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow result in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While the polycarbonate housing of the Beer offers a crisper sound, the nylon housing of the WS Yellow provides a fuller sound. However, despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience, catering to a variety of user preferences and ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The Beer also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the WS Yellow has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches cater to different preferences in typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Beer switch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Beer being lighter overall and the WS Yellow offering a slightly heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, we can see that the Beer has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Yellow has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Beer's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the WS Yellow's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press sensation.
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 Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, information about the sound of the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch is not provided in the given information. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press with gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. It also offers a stepped tactility, providing a subtler feel compared to other tactile switches. On the contrary, the WS Yellow linear switch is described as creamy, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The WS Yellow switch falls in the middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound with easy-to-press and stepped tactility, while the WS Yellow switch offers a creamy and polished feel with a mild typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches will provide satisfying results, delivering a unique typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more clacky sound with a stepped tactility, the Beer tactile switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you want a slightly heavier bottom out force, a creamy sound with a mild and polished feel, the WS Yellow linear switch could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you are looking for. So, select the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.