Gateron Beer vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the KTT Laurel, a linear switch. The Gateron Beer stands out for its unique translucent green design that evokes the allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Known for its refreshingly lightweight feel, the Beer offers a stepped tactility that provides a subtler typing experience compared to other tactile switches. In contrast, the KTT Laurel is praised for its medium-light linear design, complete with a full POM housing for optimal responsiveness and comfort. With a short travel distance and long pole design, the Laurel strikes a balance between speed and smoothness, resulting in a satisfying typing experience with a subtly low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the KTT Laurel, it is clear that both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their respective top and bottom housing materials. The Beer's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Laurel's POM top and bottom housing produce a deeper and more muted sound. While the Beer's polycarbonate housing is stiffer and leads to a clear and resonant sound, the Laurel's POM housing offers a unique sound that is on the deeper side. It is interesting to note how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Beer's polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency, making it an attractive option for those looking to customize their setup with colorful lighting effects. On the other hand, the Laurel's POM housing does not offer the same level of visual appeal in terms of RGB lighting, but its unique sound profile may be more appealing to users who prioritize the auditory experience over visual aesthetics. This highlights how different housing materials can cater to different preferences and priorities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
While both the Gateron Beer and KTT Laurel offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, it is important to consider how these qualities manifest during actual use. The impact of the bottom housing material will be more noticeable during key presses, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when keys are released. Understanding how these housing materials interact with user input can provide a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and engineering that goes into creating high-quality mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is evident that the Beer is lighter in terms of actuation force at 38 grams, compared to the Laurel at 43 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Beer may be preferred by users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Laurel's slightly heavier actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar bottom out force, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of the initial actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant in terms of feel, but those who prefer a slightly longer travel distance may opt for the Laurel switch. On the other hand, those who prioritize a shorter distance for more responsive typing or gaming experience may lean towards the Gateron Beer switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional options, providing a unique tactile or linear feel depending on the user’s preference.
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 Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch presents a subtly low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Your choice of board and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch offers a subtler tactile feedback compared to other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch is described as snappy, being super responsive thanks to its design with longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive.
Taking all this information into consideration, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky sound and easy-to-press, stepped tactile feel, the Beer switch would be a suitable choice. Conversely, if you're looking for a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy, responsive typing experience, the Laurel switch would be more fitting. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a unique tactile experience with a light actuation force and a characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a low-pitched sound profile and snappy responsiveness, the KTT Laurel linear switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for feel, sound, and overall typing experience. Whichever switch you choose, both the Gateron Beer tactile and KTT Laurel linear switches offer exceptional qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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