Gateron Beer vs. KTT MoonRosa
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT MoonRosa switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the KTT MoonRosa offer distinct experiences for users. The Gateron Beer is a tactile switch that stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green color, inspired by the allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Known for its lightweight and stepped tactility, it provides a unique typing sensation with a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa is a linear switch made entirely of POM, offering a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature. While the Beer switch is described as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped', the MoonRosa is characterized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press'. Depending on your preferences for tactility and sound, you may lean towards the Beer or the MoonRosa. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the KTT MoonRosa, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top housings. The Beer features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the MoonRosa utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite these differences, both materials offer unique sound profiles that cater to individual preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with the Beer's polycarbonate top housing or a deeper sound with the MoonRosa's POM top housing, both options provide distinct auditory experiences.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Gateron Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the qualities of its top housing in creating a clear and resonant sound profile. Conversely, the KTT MoonRosa's POM bottom housing produces a softer and more muffled sound. This contrast in sound profiles extends to the overall typing experience and can greatly impact the overall feel of the switch. While the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing may offer a more distinct typing sound, the MoonRosa's POM bottom housing provides a more subdued and muted typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the KTT MoonRosa ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of each switch. Whether you value a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper and more muted sound profile with POM, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Beer or the MoonRosa, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your individual preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 38 grams compared to the KTT MoonRosa linear switch with 37 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Beer requires 50 grams while the MoonRosa only needs 45 grams. Overall, both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of force required when typing on either switch. Lighter weight switches like these are ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, as they allow for less fatigue over time. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces, with the Beer being slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT MoonRosa linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter side of the spectrum in terms of travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Beer switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may find the MoonRosa switch more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether you prioritize quicker responses or a more substantial key press feel.
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 MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, with the Beer being more crisp and bright, while the MoonRosa offers a smoother and quieter typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and other factors like keyboard and keycap choice, one may prefer the distinct sound profile of the Beer or the subtle sound of the MoonRosa.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and offers a stepped tactility, providing a subtler tactile feedback compared to other switches. The light actuation force of the Beer switch makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch is characterized as mild and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches prioritize comfort and responsiveness, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer switch provides a clacky sound and stepped tactility, the MoonRosa switch offers a low-pitched sound and a mild typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to customize their typing experience. Overall, both switches aim to provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience, ensuring that users can find a switch that best suits their needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a unique experience that offers a subtle tactility and a characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a buttery smooth typing experience and a low-pitched sound signature, the KTT MoonRosa switch would be more suited to your preference. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and sound preference. Whether you prioritize a light actuation force and stepped tactility or a smooth typing experience and neutral sound, both switches offer their own distinctive qualities to enhance your typing experience.
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