Gateron Beer vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the KTT Pine offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Beer, with its translucent green design reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, is a tactile switch that provides a refreshingly lightweight typing experience. It features a stepped tactility, offering a subtle feel and a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is a linear switch that is medium-heavy and boasts a buttery smooth typing experience. With a factory-lubed finish to minimize friction, the Pine offers smooth key travel and a low-pitched sound profile. While the Beer is known for being clacky and easy-to-press, the Pine is described as bassy, buttery, and creamy. 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
58g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and KTT Pine switches feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which results in a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing.
Although both switches share the same housing materials, the Gateron Beer and KTT Pine switches may differ slightly in their overall sound and feel due to other factors such as spring weight and stem design. The top housing of a switch typically impacts the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Therefore, even though they have the same housing material, the switches may have nuanced differences in sound and feel based on their internal components.
Overall, the similarities in housing materials between the Gateron Beer and KTT Pine switches result in comparable sound profiles and aesthetics. Both switches showcase the benefits of using polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, allowing for a clear and resonant sound experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting. While they may have slight differences in how the housing materials interact with other components of the switch, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and performance from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the Beer is the lighter option with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Pine is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. The Beer provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Pine offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches have their advantages, with the Beer being lighter and the Pine having a medium 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 Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Pine provides a longer travel distance, giving a more substantial keypress feel that some users may prefer. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Pine being the longer option compared to the Beer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 offers a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This type of sound is crisp, bright, and percussive in nature, adding an energetic element to typing. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This creates a more mellow and bass-heavy auditory experience that may appeal to those who prefer a quieter typing environment. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal sound preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized as easy-to-press and stepped. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, resulting in a comfortable and low-impact typing experience. The stepped tactility provides a more subtle tactile feedback compared to other switches, enhancing the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The factory-lubed finish minimizes friction for effortless key travel, creating a seamless and uniform typing sensation that may appeal to those seeking a luxurious typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound with easy-to-press and stepped tactile feedback, while the Pine switch offers a bassy sound with buttery and creamy keystroke experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound, typing feel, and overall typing experience, users can choose between these switches to customize their mechanical keyboard to their liking. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance and can deliver satisfying typing experiences based on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more subtle tactility with a characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a smooth and buttery typing experience with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Pine linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
