Gateron Beer vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Beer and the KTT Glimp. The Gateron Beer is a tactile switch that stands out with its translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle. Known for its unique stepped tactility and lightweight feel, the Beer switch offers a refreshing typing experience with a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp is a linear switch that strikes a balance between a substantial typing experience and comfortable actuation force. With its creamy and mild tactile feedback, the Glimp switch provides a satisfying typing feel and a fairly clacky sound profile. While both switches are categorized as clacky, they each have their own unique qualities to consider. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and KTT Glimp both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. This material is ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing shares similar characteristics to the top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Glimp provides a different typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
The division of housing materials in the Beer and Glimp switches results in a unique tactile experience for users. The top housing's polycarbonate in both switches influences the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Beer creates a more resonant sound profile, while the softer nylon in the Glimp absorbs more sound, leading to a different typing sensation. Despite these differences, both housings enhance the overall typing experience in their respective switches.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and KTT Glimp housing materials ultimately depends on personal preference. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches provides a sharp and crisp sound profile, ideal for users seeking a more clicky typing experience. On the other hand, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, catering to those who prefer a softer and more muted typing feel. Regardless of the housing material differences, both switches promise a unique and satisfying typing experience that can be tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch showcase differences in weight that cater to different typing preferences. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a gentle typing experience ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Glimp has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a medium-light feel that might appeal to users who enjoy a bit more resistance when typing. Both switches provide a distinct typing experience based on their weight characteristics, with the Beer being lighter and the Glimp falling on the heavier side (although both are relatively light in comparison to other switches). Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Glimp linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Beer switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Glimp switch might be preferred by those looking for a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference on which one is the better fit for individual users.
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 Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch are described as having a clacky sound profile. This means that when pressed, both switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound produced by these switches can be a key factor in determining the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Beer tactile switch is characterized as being easy-to-press with a stepped tactility. This means that it offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The stepped tactility provides a subtler feel compared to more traditional round tactility switches, adding a unique typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Glimp linear switch is described as creamy with a mild typing experience. This indicates that it offers a smooth and buttery typing feel, with a gentle sensation that is approachable to most users. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying and comfortable typing experience, tailored to different preferences.
Overall, while the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience for users. Whether you prefer the easy-to-press and stepped tactility of the Beer switch or the creamy and mild feel of the Glimp switch, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a lightweight and easy-to-press switch with a unique clacky sound profile, the Gateron Beer tactile switch might be the perfect choice for you. Its stepped tactility and characteristic clacky sound make typing a refreshing and enjoyable experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a creamy and mild typing feel, along with a clacky sound profile, the KTT Glimp linear switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to whether you prioritize a lighter touch and unique sound of the Beer, or the balanced typing experience and feel of the Glimp. Consider your personal typing preferences and needs to choose the switch that best fits your style.
Mentioned in this article
