Gateron Beer vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Beer and the TKC Kiwi, both of which are tactile switches. The Beer switch stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, giving it a unique and refreshing appearance. It offers a light and easy-to-press typing experience with a stepped tactility, making it perfect for those who prefer a subtle tactile feedback. In contrast, the Kiwi switch is designed to provide a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, creating a more pronounced tactile response. It is also known for its satisfyingly snappy sound profile and smooth typing experience thanks to its factory lubrication. While the Beer switch offers a clacky sound signature, the Kiwi switch has a low-pitched and polished sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing experience. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the TKC Kiwi, we can see that both switches utilize unique materials for their top housings. The Beer features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is also relatively stiffer, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound when typing. On the other hand, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for its top housing, offering a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While both materials aim to enhance the sound profile of the switch, they do so in slightly different ways, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Moving on to the bottom housing, we see a similar trend in materials but with distinct characteristics. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the qualities of its top housing, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile with enhanced clarity. This consistency in material throughout the switch helps maintain a uniform sound experience. In contrast, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing brings a bright sound signature to the table, contributing to the overall resonance and clackiness of the switch. Again, while both materials aim to provide a pleasing typing experience, they do so with unique attributes that cater to different sound preferences.
It is important to note how the qualities of the top and bottom housings can impact the overall typing experience. The materials chosen for these components play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switch. When considering switches like the Beer and the Kiwi, the choice between polycarbonate and UHWMPE housings can result in varying levels of sharpness, pitch, clarity, and resonance in the typing sound. By understanding how these materials interact with key press and release, users can choose a switch that best suits their preferences for sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, whether opting for the Gateron Beer or the TKC Kiwi, both switches offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it is clear that the Beer is the lighter option while the Kiwi is the heavier option. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light switch overall. On the other hand, the Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Beer, which allows for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the Kiwi offers a more substantial push feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches provide different levels of resistance, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it is clear that the Beer has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm while the Kiwi has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer's 3.4 mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Kiwi's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial depth, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and the type of typing experience one is looking for.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive noise upon each key press. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch produces a low-pitched and neutral sound, emphasizing a more mellow tone with moderate actuation force. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users can experience different auditory feedback from these switches.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Beer and TKC Kiwi switches offer a stepped tactile experience, providing a two-stage sensation during key presses. The Gateron Beer switch is described as easy-to-press, offering minimal force and a gentle typing experience, while also incorporating a stepped tactility for a mild feedback. The TKC Kiwi switch, on the other hand, is characterized by an accented tactile feel and a polished finish, enhancing the overall typing experience with a prominent but smooth tactility. Users can expect a satisfying typing experience with a noticeable bump at the top of each keystroke.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Gateron Beer switch emphasizes a clacky sound signature and an easy-to-press sensation with stepped tactility, the TKC Kiwi switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile along with accented tactile feedback and a polished typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, users can choose between these switches to suit their needs and enhance their overall typing performance. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, albeit with different characteristics that can cater to a variety of user preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Beer tactile switch or the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the TKC Kiwi switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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