Gateron Beer vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and KTT Grapefruit stand out as unique options for enthusiasts seeking a tactile or linear typing experience. The Gateron Beer switch, inspired by the allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle, offers a refreshing take with its translucent green design and stepped tactility. This switch is known for being easy to press and emits a characteristic clacky sound, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switch offers a soft and light feel with a low-pitched sound profile that is described as "baritone." This switch is categorized as neutral and polished, making it a versatile option for those who prefer a smoother typing experience. 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and KTT Grapefruit switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, providing them with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. Despite both switches sharing this feature, the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing sets them apart from other materials and contributes to their distinct sound profiles.
While the Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, the KTT Grapefruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Grapefruit switch produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than stiffer plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material impacts the overall typing experience, with the bottom-out sound and feel being influenced by the bottom housing material in each switch.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Beer and KTT Grapefruit switches highlights how each material contributes to different aspects of the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon for the top and bottom housings will affect the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles enhanced by the qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Beer requiring 50 grams and the Grapefruit needing 53 grams. The Beer switch offers a lighter typing experience, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Grapefruit switch provides a slightly more substantial push feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these 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 Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Grapefruit switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Beer switch. The traditional travel distance for switches is 4.0 mm, so the Grapefruit switch falls within the more common range, while the Beer switch is on the shorter end. Gamers may prefer the Beer switch for its shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times. However, those who prefer a more tactile and deep feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the longer travel distance of the Grapefruit switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing 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 Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a distinct and characteristic clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound experience. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch presents a low-pitched sound profile with a touch of baritone, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches provide unique auditory feedback that can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press with gentle resistance, requiring minimal force to activate. The stepped tactility of these switches offers a subtler feel compared to the continuous curve of round tactility, providing a two-stage typing sensation. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Each switch presents a different tactile experience, catering to individual preferences for typing comfort and efficiency.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, stepped feel, while the Grapefruit switch delivers a low-pitched sound profile and a polished, refined typing experience. Both switches bring unique characteristics to the table, allowing users to tailor their mechanical keyboard setup to their preferred sound and tactile preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a light actuation force with a refreshing tactile experience and a characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force with a smooth and polished typing experience accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the type of sound profile you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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