Gateron Beer vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the KTT Mint, a linear switch, offer unique features and experiences. The Gateron Beer, with its mesmerizing translucent green color reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, is known for its refreshingly lightweight touch and stepped tactility. In contrast, the KTT Mint is celebrated for its smooth linear action, providing a satisfyingly poppy thockiness and light typing feel due to its long pole stem. While the Beer is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped', the Mint falls under 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own advantages 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the KTT Mint both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a more clear and resonant sound overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually appealing effect. Despite their similarities in top housing material, the Gateron Beer and KTT Mint may offer slightly different sound experiences due to other factors such as switch design and construction.
On the other hand, while the Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Mint utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. Therefore, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, providing a different tactile experience compared to the top housing material.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, the overall sound experience of both the Gateron Beer and the KTT Mint may still be influenced by the top housing material. The top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing material affects the sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Gateron Beer and KTT Mint respectively contributes to a unique sound profile that may appeal to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is evident that the Beer is lighter in both aspects. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Beer more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the Mint. The Mint, on the other hand, provides a slightly heavier typing feel, which some users may find more satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In comparing the two, it is clear that the Mint has a longer travel distance than the Beer. The difference may not seem significant, but it can make a difference in how the keystrokes feel and the overall typing experience. For those who prefer a shorter travel distance, the Beer switch may be the preferred choice, as it offers a quicker response time, which is especially favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Mint switch with its longer travel distance may be more appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel and depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone with moderate actuation force requirements suitable for various purposes. When it comes to feel, the Beer switch is known for its easy-to-press nature and stepped tactility, providing a light and gentle typing experience with minimal force required. In contrast, the Mint switch offers a mild and polished feel, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Beer switch focusing on a light and clacky typing experience while the Mint switch provides a smooth and polished feel. Whether you choose the Beer or Mint switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience based on your preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a light and easy-to-press switch with a stepped tactility and clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and polished linear switch with a poppy thockiness and a mild feel, the KTT Mint switch could be more your style. Ultimately, whether you prioritize light actuation force and distinctive sound, or a smooth and refined typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
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