Gateron Beer vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Beer and KTT Phalaenopsis mechanical keyboard switches both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Beer switch stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green design that evokes the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle. It is lightweight, with a stepped tactility that offers a subtler feel and a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch boasts a beautiful translucent design and a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue. It also provides a satisfying tactile bump with a 50g tactile force. While the Beer switch is 'clacky' and 'easy-to-press', the Phalaenopsis switch is 'bassy' and 'thocky'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
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
Partial box
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the KTT Phalaenopsis, it is clear that both switches use polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by these switches, making them ideal for users who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches.
While both the Gateron Beer and the KTT Phalaenopsis utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, the impact of each housing material is distributed differently in the switches. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. This division of housing materials allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each aspect contributing to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. Users may appreciate the attention to detail in designing switches that prioritize both sound quality and typing feel.
In summary, the Gateron Beer and the KTT Phalaenopsis offer similar sound profiles and typing experiences due to their use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by these switches, creating a sharp and crisp typing experience. The division of housing materials in these switches allows for a nuanced feel when typing, with the bottom and top housings each contributing to the overall sound profile. Overall, users looking for switches that prioritize sound quality, tactile feedback, and aesthetic appeal may find both the Gateron Beer and the KTT Phalaenopsis to be suitable options.
Weight
Both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Gateron Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the KTT Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of force requirements. For those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, either of these switches would be a good choice. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, they may want to consider switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, which is shorter than the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch at 4mm. The shorter travel distance of the Beer switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Phalaenopsis switch could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer different tactile feedback and actuation points, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference. Whether you go for the shorter Beer or the longer Phalaenopsis, you'll get a distinct typing experience based on the difference in travel distance between the two switches.
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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 is known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is described as having a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. While the Beer switch leans towards a crisp and bright sound, the Phalaenopsis switch provides a more resonant and low-frequency experience. Both switches offer distinct auditory feedback, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for being easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Its stepped tactility provides a subtle and gentle tactile feedback, enhancing the typing experience with a responsive and low-impact feel. Similarly, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch also features a stepped tactility, offering mild feedback with discernible pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. The light actuation force of the Phalaenopsis switch makes typing effortless and comfortable, ensuring a pleasant typing experience overall.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer switch provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, the Phalaenopsis switch delivers a bassy sound and a light actuation force for effortless typing. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences in sound profile and tactile feedback. However, it's important to note that both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users can achieve similar results in terms of performance and comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a more subtle tactile bump with a characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a similar bottom out force but with a more effortless typing experience and a discernible tactile bump, along with a bassy and thocky sound profile, then the KTT Phalaenopsis could be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style, sound preference, and desired tactile feel.
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