Gateron Beer vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, you may come across the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the SP-Star Yanyu, a linear switch. The Beer switch, inspired by the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle, offers a unique typing experience with its translucent green design. It stands out with its lightweight and stepped tactility, providing a subtle feel and a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is ideal for those seeking a delicate typing experience or typing for long periods. With a material blend that produces a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu switch is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the SP-Star Yanyu switches differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Beer utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. In contrast, the Yanyu features a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top and bottom housing, offering a sound profile that is more pleasant and bright without being particularly sharp. This difference in material composition contributes to distinct sound characteristics between the two switches.
While the Gateron Beer's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a sharper sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu's blend housing offers a brighter and more pleasant sound. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate in the Beer's housing allows for RGB lighting effects, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Yanyu's unique blend of materials provides a sound profile that is not as sharp but still bright, offering a different auditory experience for users. These differences in housing materials ultimately result in varied sound profiles and aesthetics for the two switches.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Beer and SP-Star Yanyu switches, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience. The impact of the housing material on the sound profile and feel of the switch differs between the top and bottom housing. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, are felt when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. While the housing materials may vary, both switches are designed to offer users a unique and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, we can see that the Beer is lighter in both aspects. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Yanyu's actuation force is unknown and has a bottom out force of 43 grams. Both switches are relatively light, making them comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The difference in actuation force may not be significant for those who prefer a lighter touch, but some users may appreciate the slightly higher bottom out force of the Yanyu for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Beer has a shorter travel distance compared to the Yanyu. A shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feeling when typing, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the typing experience desired.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 offers a distinctive clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience that resonates with each keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is described as having a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of uses without being too loud or too soft. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is also noted for its thocky sound profile, producing a deep and rich sound when pressed, adding a satisfying element to the typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a unique typing feel with subtle pre-travel and/or post-travel stages. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is described as mild and feathery, providing a gentle typing experience with light actuation force and minimal finger exertion. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is noted for its subtle and polished feel, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience.
Overall, while the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both provide a refreshing typing experience suitable for a variety of preferences. Whether you prefer a clacky sound with easy-to-press tactility or a neutral sound with mild and feathery key feel, both switches cater to distinct typing needs. Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a refreshing lightweight feel with a distinctive clacky sound, opt for the Beer switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu switch may be the better choice for you. Both switches offer a light bottom out force, but the Beer provides a stepped tactility while the Yanyu offers a variety of mild and feathery sensations. Ultimately, your decision should align with your desired typing feel and sound preference. Choose wisely for an optimal typing experience tailored to your needs.
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