Gateron Beer vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and KTT Lightning offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Gateron Beer, with its mesmerizing translucent green appearance, is a tactile switch that boasts a refreshingly lightweight feel and a stepped tactility providing a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning is a linear switch known for its speed and precision, making it ideal for competitive gaming where milliseconds can make a difference. Both switches share a clacky sound profile, but the Beer is also easy-to-press while the Lightning offers a polished and chirpy typing feel. 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
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and KTT Lightning switches share many similarities, as both feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for a clear switch housing that is compatible with RGB lighting. This means that both the Beer and Lightning switches will likely produce similar sound profiles and aesthetics when it comes to their top housings.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Gateron Beer utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall clear and resonant sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in bottom housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the Beer likely having a sharper bottom-out sound, while the Lightning may provide a more rounded sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Beer and KTT Lightning switches may come down to personal preference. If you prefer a switch with a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Beer with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings may be the better option. However, if you enjoy a deeper and fuller sound, the Lightning's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing may be more appealing. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, giving users the ability to customize their typing experience to best suit their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams. However, the Beer switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Lightning switch's actuation force of 43 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Beer switch may be preferred by users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it can reduce fatigue. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Lightning switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is longer than the KTT Lightning linear switch with a travel distance of 3 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, the Beer offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Lightning. Gamers looking for a faster response time might prefer the Lightning switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Beer switch. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch share a clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. While the Beer switch provides a characteristic clacky sound signature, the Lightning switch adds a high-pitched element and a unique chirpy quality to its sound. Depending on the individual's preference for sound, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that can complement different typing environments.
Concerning feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature and stepped tactility, offering a subtle two-stage tactile feedback that is gentle and effortless to actuate. In contrast, the KTT Lightning linear switch is described as providing a slick typing feel with a subtle resistance, along with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Both switches offer a light and responsive typing experience, with the Beer switch highlighting a more structured tactile feedback compared to the Lightning switch's refined and polished feel.
Overall, when comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, individuals can expect similar clacky sound profiles with slight differences in pitch and additional chirpy sounds from the Lightning switch. The feel of typing on these switches will also offer a lightweight and responsive experience, with the Beer switch emphasizing a stepped tactility while the Lightning switch boasts a polished finish for smooth key travel. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, providing a versatile range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to explore.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a switch with a light bottom out force and a unique, refreshing design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, while also seeking a clacky sound signature and a stepped tactility for a subtler typing experience, then the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and millisecond precision in your typing or gaming tasks, and prefer a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile, you may want to opt for the KTT Lightning linear switch. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and design aesthetics.
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