Gateron Beer vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, a linear switch. The Gateron Beer is known for its unique design evoking the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle, with a mesmerizing translucent green color. These switches offer a refreshingly lightweight feel and boast a stepped tactility, providing a subtle typing experience. Additionally, they produce a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Onion from Wuque Studio features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, offering a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. These switches have a crisp, responsive feel and a neutral sound profile. While the Beer switch is categorized as 'clacky', 'easy-to-press', and 'stepped', the WS Onion is categorized as 'neutral', 'buttery', and 'polished'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and advantages, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. 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
63.5g
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
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting. On the other hand, while the Beer also has a polycarbonate bottom housing, the WS Onion's bottom housing is made of nylon. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate of the Beer's bottom housing.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, leading to a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. However, where the Beer's bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the WS Onion's nylon bottom housing creates a distinct typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. This shows how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Onion will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience. The clear polycarbonate top housing in both switches provides a sharp and crisp sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more pronounced typing experience. However, the difference in bottom housing material introduces a unique depth and fullness to the sound of the WS Onion, offering a softer and more rounded typing feel. Whether you prefer the stiffer polycarbonate of the Beer or the softer nylon of the WS Onion, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Beer at 50 grams is lighter than the WS Onion's 63.5 grams. This means that the Beer switch may be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions due to its lighter weight, while the WS Onion switch would provide a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. In terms of actuation force, the Beer switch would likely provide a quicker keystroke response compared to the WS Onion, which has an unknown actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer offers a more responsive typing experience, ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Onion provides a deeper keypress feel which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Beer being on the shorter end and the WS Onion on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 lively clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch presents a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. The choice between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference, with the Beer switch offering a more distinctive and potentially attention-grabbing sound, while the WS Onion switch provides a more understated and versatile option.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Beer switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, its stepped tactility provides a unique typing experience with a subtle feel that distinguishes it from other switches. Conversely, the WS Onion switch is described as providing a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying, showcasing a polished and refined typing experience. Deciding between the two would depend on individual typing preferences, with the Beer switch offering a lighter and more responsive feel, while the WS Onion switch provides a smooth and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch stands out with its clacky sound and easy-to-press, stepped tactility, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery smooth keystroke feel, delivering a more polished and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with the Beer switch offering a more lively and distinctive typing experience, while the WS Onion switch presents a smooth and satisfying keystroke feel. However, both switches promise a high-quality typing experience that would satisfy a wide range of users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a clacky sound with a stepped tactile feel, the Gateron Beer switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a neutral sound profile with a buttery smooth and polished typing feel, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Happy typing!
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