Gateron Beer vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the KTT Purple Click are both popular options worth considering. The Gateron Beer is known for its unique translucent green design that evokes the allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle. It offers a light and easy-to-press typing experience with a stepped tactility, resulting in a distinct feel and signature clacky sound. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, boasts a high-pitched and satisfying click while still maintaining a light touch and pronounced tactility. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that appeal to different preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and KTT Purple Click switches share some similarities in terms of using polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting for added visual appeal.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ significantly. The Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues to contribute to the sharp and clear sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Click utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the Beer and Purple Click switches play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material are felt more when pressing down on the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key, highlighting the differences in sound profiles between the two switches based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the KTT Purple Click clicky switch with an actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Beer requires 50 grams while the Purple Click needs 55 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, but the Purple Click offers a slightly more substantial feel with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Beer may be the ideal choice. However, if a slightly firmer key press is preferred for a more tactile response, the KTT Purple Click would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of typing pressure and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that the Beer has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Purple Click's 4 mm. The Beer is ideal for those seeking quicker response times and a shallower feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers a bit more depth and may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the slight variation can make a difference in the overall typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether you value a shorter or 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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 distinctive clacky sound, giving off a crisp, bright, and percussive noise when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a crunchy and resonant sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the Beer switch would provide a sharper and snappier sound, while the Purple Click switch delivers a cleaner and sharper sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, its stepped tactility provides a more subtle tactile experience compared to other switches. Similarly, the KTT Purple Click switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Both switches feature a stepped tactile feel, allowing typists to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during key presses.
Overall, while the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click switch provide different sound and feel experiences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a clacky sound with lightweight keystrokes or a high-pitched click with a satisfying equilibrium of tactility, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, consider the specific qualities each switch offers. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a more subtle, lightweight tactile experience with a distinctive clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force, a pronounced click with a high-pitched sound profile, and a satisfyingly invigorating typing sensation, the KTT Purple Click switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the overall experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
