Gateron Beer vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to compare are the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the KTT Matcha, also a tactile switch. The Gateron Beer stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green design, resembling a Tsingtao beer bottle. Known for its refreshingly lightweight build, it offers a stepped tactility that gives a subtler feel compared to other switches. Additionally, it produces a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha is praised for its comfortable, snappy tactility that creates a clean bottom-out sound. With a variety of features including a long pole stem, it is considered to be stepped, snappy, accented, clacky, feathery, and subtle. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and KTT Matcha keyboards feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant and customizable lighting effects to shine through the housing.
Despite both keyboards utilizing polycarbonate in their housing materials, the Gateron Beer and KTT Matcha may differ in the specific design and construction of their housings. While both keyboards offer a similar sound profile due to the shared use of polycarbonate, the overall feel and experience of typing on these keyboards may vary based on other design aspects such as keycap material, switch type, and overall build quality. These differences can impact the overall typing experience and user preference between the two keyboards.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and KTT Matcha keyboards play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings creates a unique sound signature that is sharp, clear, and resonant. Whether you prefer the Gateron Beer or KTT Matcha may come down to personal preference in terms of aesthetics, typing feel, and any additional features each keyboard may offer beyond the housing material itself. Ultimately, both keyboards provide a high-quality typing experience with their polycarbonate housings, offering a satisfying sound and feel for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the KTT Matcha tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron Beer requires a heavier force of 50 grams compared to the 45 grams needed for the KTT Matcha. Both switches fall on the lighter end of the spectrum in terms of actuation force, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may lean towards the Gateron Beer for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Matcha tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Matcha has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer. A travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, providing a deeper key press feeling. On the other hand, a travel distance of 3.4 mm can offer a shorter and quicker key press, which may be preferred by gamers looking for a faster response time. Both switches offer different experiences and are suitable for different preferences in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a shorter, quicker key press or a slightly longer and more traditional key press depth.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 and KTT Matcha switches are described as having a clacky sound signature, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. This means that, regardless of your choice between the two, you can expect similar crisp, bright, and percussive sound profiles when typing. However, it is important to note that the overall sound of a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer switches are characterized as being easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. They also feature a stepped tactility, providing a more subtle typing experience with distinct stages during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switches are described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle. This indicates that the Matcha switches offer a responsive, medium tactile feel with a light actuation force, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. Overall, while the two switches may have slightly different tactile sensations, both provide a comfortable typing experience with unique characteristics.
In conclusion, when comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, the differences lie in their tactile qualities. The Gateron Beer offers a lighter, stepped tactility with an easy-to-press feel and a clacky sound signature, while the KTT Matcha provides a snappier, accented, and feathery tactile experience with a clean bottom-out sound. Depending on your personal preferences for typing feel, you can choose between the subtler tactility of the Beer or the more prominent tactility of the Matcha. Ultimately, both switches will offer a satisfying typing experience with their own unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a light bottom out force of 50 grams and a more traditional clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, a snappier and more accented tactility, and a cleaner bottom-out sound, then the KTT Matcha switch is likely the better option for you. Consider your preferences for actuation force, noise level, and tactility when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Beer and KTT Matcha switches comes down to personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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