Gateron Beer vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Beer and the KTT Darling. The Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, is known for its translucent green color reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle. It features a unique stepped tactility that provides a lighter and subtler feel compared to other tactile switches, along with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Darling, a linear switch, offers a typing sensation that is described as chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. They also produce a high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, creating a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the KTT Darling feature polycarbonate top housings which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those who enjoy RGB lighting setups, as the material allows light to shine through easily.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Gateron Beer utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, providing a consistent sound profile that complements the top housing. In contrast, the KTT Darling features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This contrast in bottom housing materials can result in a unique typing experience for each switch, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
Overall, while both the Gateron Beer and the KTT Darling share the same polycarbonate top housing material, their differing bottom housing materials provide distinctive typing experiences. The Gateron Beer's use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings creates a more consistent and clear sound profile throughout typing, while the KTT Darling's combination of polycarbonate and nylon offers a more diverse sound profile with a deeper and fuller tone. Regardless of these variations, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for users looking for a premium feel and sound.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the KTT Darling linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have relatively close bottom out forces, with the Beer at 50 grams and the Darling at 53 grams. The Beer switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the Darling switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, we can see that the Beer has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Darling has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be particularly noticeable to most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Darling to be more to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that provides a quick and responsive typing or gaming experience.
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 Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 offers a distinctively clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and percussive auditory feedback upon each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch also produces a clacky sound but adds a high-pitched and resonant element when bottoming out, creating a unique blend of tactile and auditory feedback. If you prefer a sharper sound profile, the Beer may be more to your liking, while the Darling offers a more varied acoustical experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is noted for its easy-to-press nature, offering a lightweight actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, its stepped tactility provides a subtler feel compared to other tactile switches, allowing for a unique typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Darling linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a pronounced bounciness to each keystroke, making it feel chewy and substantial. Both switches offer a different typing experience in terms of feel, with the Beer being easier to press and the Darling offering a bouncy and responsive feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, while the Darling delivers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile along with a bouncy and substantial typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as they offer different typing experiences to suit various preferences. If you enjoy a sharper sound and easier key presses, the Beer may be the way to go, whereas if you prefer a more varied acoustical experience and a bouncier typing feel, the Darling would be the better option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter actuation force and a more subtle tactile feel with a characteristic clacky sound, then the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with slightly higher actuation force, a chewy and substantial typing sensation, and a bouncy feel with a high-pitched, resonant sound, then the KTT Darling linear switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference in terms of actuation force, tactile feedback, and auditory experience.
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