Gateron Beer vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and the KTT Peach offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Gateron Beer, with its translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, boasts a tactile experience that is easy to press and offers a stepped tactility for a more subtle feel. Additionally, this switch produces a characteristic clacky sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Peach provides a linear switch option, known for its syrupy smooth typing experience and deep thocky sound profile. While the Beer switch is categorized as clacky and easy-to-press, the Peach switch falls under the categories of low-pitched and neutral. 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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the KTT Peach switches share similar characteristics when it comes to the top housing, as they both utilize polycarbonate. Polycarbonate offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for stunning RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for those looking to enhance their keyboard aesthetics.
Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the top housing in creating a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Peach utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by polycarbonate.
Overall, the housing materials of both switches work in harmony to deliver a satisfying typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate top housing for a sharp sound on key release, and nylon or polycarbonate bottom housing for a deep and impactful bottom-out sound, creates a balanced and dynamic sound profile. Whether you prefer the crisper sound of the Gateron Beer's all-polycarbonate construction or the deeper sound of the KTT Peach's nylon bottom housing, both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the KTT Peach linear switch with a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Beer requires 50 grams, which is lighter than the Peach's 53 grams. This means that the Beer switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Peach switch offers a slightly more substantial feel while typing, which may be preferred by those who like a bit more resistance. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, so users have options depending on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Peach has a longer travel distance compared to the Beer. The traditional travel distance for switches is around 4.0 mm, making the Peach more in line with that standard. Gamers may lean towards the Beer for its shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, which allows for faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize faster response times with a shorter travel distance or prefer a deeper press with a longer travel distance.
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 Peach 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is best described as having a clacky sound signature, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving off a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, the KTT Peach linear switch is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate, resulting in a low-impact and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a more subtle tactile feedback compared to other switches. Conversely, the KTT Peach linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that can enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and KTT Peach linear switch each bring their own set of characteristics to the table. While the Beer switch provides a lighter actuation force and a clacky sound, the Peach switch offers a smoother typing experience with a deeper sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. However, it's important to note that both switches are designed to deliver quality performance and can offer a satisfying typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light bottom out force and enjoy a unique translucent green design with a stepped tactility that offers a subtle feel and clacky sound signature, then the Gateron Beer switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and value a syrupy smooth typing experience with a deep thocky sound profile, then the KTT Peach switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and priorities in terms of sound and feel.
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