Gateron Beer vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver presents a fascinating contrast. The Beer switch stands out with its translucent green design inspired by Tsingtao beer bottles, offering a unique tactile experience with a stepped tactility and a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch from the budget-friendly G Pro line-up focuses on gaming performance, featuring a shorter travel distance for lightning-fast responsiveness and vibrant RGB lighting for an immersive gaming experience. While the Beer switch is characterized as 'clacky', 'easy-to-press', and 'stepped', the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is known for being 'bassy', 'buttery', 'creamy', 'low-pitched', and 'thocky'. Depending on whether you prioritize a distinct typing feel or competitive gaming advantage, each switch offers unique benefits. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver both feature polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both the Beer and the G Pro 3.0 Silver have polycarbonate top housing, the difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The split qualities between the two housings impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing material has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate. Conversely, the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released, with polycarbonate creating a more resonant sound compared to the duller sound produced by nylon.
Despite having different bottom housing materials, the Gateron Beer and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver both provide unique sound profiles due to their choice of materials. The polycarbonate top housing on both switches results in a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer. These differences in housing materials allow for a variety of sound experiences, catering to different preferences for keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, whether you choose the Beer or the G Pro 3.0 Silver, you can expect a quality typing experience with distinct audio characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver's 45 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a consistent typing experience once the key is fully pressed. The lighter actuation force of the Beer makes it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch and may need to type for extended periods, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that regardless of which switch you choose, you will get consistent results in terms of travel distance.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 offers a distinctive and characteristic clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch provides a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound experiences that can enhance the overall typing or gaming experience, depending on your preference for clacky or bassy sound profiles. The sound produced by each switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for being easy to press and offering a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable while reducing finger fatigue. The stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a subtle feel with distinct stages during key presses, enhancing the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and uniform. The buttery sensation of the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch provides a luxurious typing feel that can elevate your gaming performance without compromising on comfort.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch offer distinct sound and feel experiences that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound signature and an easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch offers a bassy, low-pitched sound profile and a buttery, creamy typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharp and snappy sound with gentle resistance or a rich and deep sound with smooth keystrokes, both switches can provide a satisfying typing or gaming experience based on your personal preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your desired sound and feel preferences to achieve the optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light actuation force and a subtle tactile feel with a characteristic clacky sound, then the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly switch that offers lightning-fast responsiveness, enhanced by vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch sound profile, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch would be the better option for your gaming setup. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall gaming experience.
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