Gateron Beer vs. Gazzew LT

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and Gazzew LT offer distinct characteristics to consider. The Beer switch, with its translucent green appearance reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, is a tactile switch that provides a unique typing experience with its lightweight and stepped tactility. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switch, in its enticing lilac hue, is a linear switch known for its deep, resonant "thockiness" and smooth keystrokes. While the Beer switch is praised for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, the LT switch stands out for its bassy, thocky sound and low-pitched nature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for 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

Gateron Beer Tactile

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Gazzew LT offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Beer's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the LT's Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, while the softness of the Gazzew blend provides a smoother and deeper sound experience. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while the LT's boba plastic gives off a unique and stylish appearance.

Both the Beer and the LT feature polycarbonate bottom housings, which contribute to the sharp, crisp sound profile of the switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the overall sound experience, leading to a more clear and resonant sound when typing. However, the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing of the LT offers a different tactile feel when typing, with its softness providing a more cushioned and comfortable typing experience. While the top housing may have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.

In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Gazzew LT each bring unique qualities to the switches, resulting in different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The polycarbonate housings of the Beer create a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the Gazzew blend housings of the LT deliver a rich and deep sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, while the LT's boba plastic adds a touch of style to the switches. Both switches benefit from the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housings, which enhance the overall sound experience, while the softer Gazzew blend bottom housing of the LT provides a more cushioned typing feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the LT has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. While the actuation force of the LT is unknown, it is safe to assume that it would be heavier than the 38 grams of the Beer. Those who prefer a stronger push feel would likely lean towards the LT switch, while those who like a lighter touch may find the Beer more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, we can see that the Beer has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the LT's 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Beer may provide a slightly deeper keypress feel due to its longer travel distance, while the LT offers a slightly quicker actuation with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its clacky sound signature, which produces a sharp and snappy sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch offers a deep and resonant thockiness, creating a more bass-heavy and rich sound profile during keystrokes. Depending on personal preference, the Beer switch provides a crisp and percussive sound, while the LT switch delivers a smoother and more satisfying thocky sound that resonates deeply with each press. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used in conjunction with them.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance and requiring little force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a more subtle tactile feedback compared to other switches, adding a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch is described as providing a seamless glide with each keystroke, offering a smooth and consistent typing experience without the added tactile feedback. While the specific feel of the LT switch is not explicitly described, linear switches generally provide a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience.

Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. Depending on whether you prefer a clacky and precise sound with easy-to-press switches or a deep and resonant thockiness with linear switches, your choice will ultimately come down to personal preference. Additionally, the feel of each switch plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience, with the Beer switch providing a gentle and responsive feel, while the LT switch offers a seamless and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance based on your personal preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a keyboard switch that offers a light actuation force and a stepped tactility with a distinctive clacky sound signature, then the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force with a deep, resonant thockiness and smooth glide in every keystroke, then the Gazzew LT linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Beer and Gazzew LT switches would depend on your preference for actuation force, tactility, sound profile, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Beer Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more