Gateron Beer vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Beer and the KTT Cream Yellow. The Gateron Beer switch is renowned for its eye-catching translucent green design, reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle. With its stepped tactility, this switch provides a lighter tactile feedback compared to traditional switches, accompanied by a satisfying clacky sound. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch offers a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel due to its shortened bottom-out distance and lengthened spring. While the Beer switch is known for being easy-to-press and stepped, the Cream Yellow switch is characterized as bouncy and clacky. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preference and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the KTT Cream Yellow switches have distinct differences in their bottom housings. The Beer utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Cream Yellow features a nylon bottom housing known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This variation in bottom housing material results in a difference in the typing experience between the two switches, with the Beer offering a crisper sound upon bottoming out and the Cream Yellow producing a more muted sound.
On the other hand, both the Gateron Beer and the KTT Cream Yellow switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material. This material is valued for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of both switches. This similarity in top housing material results in a consistent sound profile for both switches when pressing down on the keys, with the polycarbonate material contributing to a clear and resonant typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Gateron Beer and the KTT Cream Yellow plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience. While the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, the polycarbonate top housing shared by both switches contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding how these materials interact with key presses can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences, whether they prioritize sound, feel, or aesthetics in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Beer is the lighter option with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Cream Yellow is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. While the Beer offers a lighter typing experience, which is ideal for prolonged typing sessions, the Cream Yellow provides a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a stronger typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preferences, with the actuation force determining the force required to trigger a keystroke and the bottom out force measuring the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. Overall, those seeking a lighter typing experience should opt for the Beer switch, while those who prefer a heavier feel should choose the Cream Yellow switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Cream Yellow provides just a tad more depth compared to the Beer, which might be preferred by some users who find shorter travel distances too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and key feel.
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 KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch are described as having a clacky sound profile. A clacky switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, offering a crisp and percussive auditory experience. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Beer switch offers a stepped tactility, creating a more subtle tactile experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively rebound when pressed.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Beer and KTT Cream Yellow switches deliver a clacky sound profile, they offer different tactile experiences in terms of feel. The Beer switch provides an easy-to-press and stepped tactility, ideal for those seeking a lightweight and responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy feel that gives keys a unique rebound effect, adding an extra level of liveliness to typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Beer if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a refreshing, clacky sound with a stepped tactility. This switch offers an easy-to-press feel that enhances typing efficiency and comfort. On the other hand, choose the Cream Yellow if you prefer a medium bottom out force and appreciate a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel. This switch provides a unique audio feedback and a lively key response. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for switch characteristics such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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