Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the next innovation that enhances both performance and user experience. In recent months, there’s been growing buzz about a new player in the switch market—Beest Keyboard Switches. Marketed as a revolutionary typing and gaming switch, Beest promises the perfect balance of tactile feedback, smooth actuation, and long-term durability. But do they truly live up to the hype?
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore whether Beest Keyboard Switches can stand up to the competition and possibly become the next big thing in the mechanical keyboard world.
What Are Beest Keyboard Switches?
Beest Switches are the latest development by BeestTech, a relatively new name in the mechanical keyboard industry. These switches are a custom design, purportedly blending the best characteristics of linear and tactile profiles to cater to typists, gamers, and professionals alike.
Available in multiple variants—Beest Linear, Beest Tactile, and the newly announced Beest Silent—these switches are hot-swappable and compatible with most custom mechanical keyboard PCBs using standard MX-style housings.
Design and Build Quality
Each Beest switch is meticulously crafted using premium-grade materials that showcase a clear advancement over many traditional offerings in the market. Featuring a polycarbonate upper housing, nylon bottom housing, and POM stem, the construction maximizes smooth keystrokes while reducing actuation friction.
Users will also notice the use of factory-lubed stems, a move that drastically reduces spring ping and scratchiness—a common concern among discerning keyboard enthusiasts.
Additionally, the company touts an average lifespan of 80 million keystrokes. That’s on par with other industry leaders like Cherry MX and Gateron, suggesting Beest Switches could handle years of intensive use if their claims hold water.
Switch Variants and Performance
Beest Linear
- Actuation Force: 45g
- Total Travel: 4.0mm
- Description: Smooth and quiet with no tactile bump, ideal for gaming and fast typing
Beest Tactile
- Actuation Force: 50g
- Total Travel: 3.8mm
- Description: Noticeable bump for tactile feedback without clicky noise
Beest Silent
- Actuation Force: 42g
- Total Travel: 3.7mm
- Description: Dampened stem and bottom-out for ultra-quiet operation
During our testing, all three variants performed admirably, but the Beest Tactile stood out for its crisp and satisfying feedback, while maintaining a refined quietness that makes it ideal for office environments or shared spaces.
Typing Experience
What struck us immediately when using Beest switches in a custom-built 65% keyboard was the consistency and softness of actuation. There was no hint of excessive scratch or uneven resistance across any of the switches.
Typing on the Beest Linear switches was a dream for those who prefer minimal resistance and a silky-smooth keypress. Meanwhile, the Tactile variant offered the ideal middle ground, providing sensory feedback that’s neither jarring nor too subtle.
In side-by-side comparisons with Cherry MX Browns and Gateron Yellows, Beest switches demonstrated equal—if not superior—performance in key attributes like actuation consistency, keycap compatibility, and noise levels.
Gaming Performance
Since gaming requires fast and deliberate keystrokes, we put Beest Linear switches to the test in FPS and MOBA gaming scenarios. Performance showed minimal latency and high responsiveness—even during intensive multi-key inputs.
We appreciated the short pre-travel distance that made double-tapping and rapid movements seamless. The switches never felt fatiguing, even after hours of gameplay. The factory lubrication also ensured keys never felt sluggish or “sticky.”
Noise Levels
For many users, noise is a determining factor when selecting a switch. The Silent Beest stood out the most in this department. Its built-in dampening pads minimize impact sound at both the top and bottom of the keypress.
Here’s how noise levels stack up compared to other popular switches:
- Beest Silent: Virtually silent
- Beest Tactile: Low thock sound
- Beest Linear: Soft, non-distracting bottom-out
This makes Beest Switches a serious contender for shared working environments, libraries, or live streaming setups where microphone sensitivity is a concern.
Compatibility and Modding Potential
One of the biggest advantages for keyboard hobbyists is the full MX-style compatibility of Beest Switches. Whether you use Cherry-profile keycaps or custom silicone dampeners, the switches slot in without issue.
Moreover, Beest Switches are hot-swap compatible out of the box, eliminating the need for soldering. This expands modding potential and allows users to easily test different configurations without making permanent commitments.
The transparent top housing also lets RGB lighting shine through beautifully, which will appeal to those looking to build visually striking keyboards.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Impressive build quality with high-grade materials
- Factory-lubed for scratch-free operation
- Multiple switch types for different preferences
- MX-compatible and hot-swappable
- Silent and tactile variants are ideal for both gaming and office use
Cons:
- Still relatively new in the market, so long-term user feedback is limited
- Higher price point compared to standard Cherry or Gateron switches
- Limited availability outside of major urban markets or online channels
Pricing and Availability
As of mid-2024, a pack of 36 Beest switches retails at around $29.99 USD. While not the cheapest option, the quality and user experience more than justify the minor premium. Enthusiast communities on Reddit and Discord are also starting to report bulk discounts and group buys, potentially reducing per-switch costs further in the future.
Distribution is currently focused on North America and Europe, with plans for expansion into Asia and South America later this year. BeestTech also recently opened partnerships with several online mechanical keyboard retailers, increasing accessibility globally.
Conclusion: Are Beest Switches the Next Big Thing?
While it’s too early to crown Beest Switches as the mechanical keyboard industry’s definitive choice, they are undeniably promising. Combining a superb feel with high build quality and thoughtful engineering, Beest Switches are more than just a gimmick—they’re a genuine contender in a crowded market.
For users who value performance, silence, and build precision, Beest offers real measurable benefits. If the brand can sustain its initial momentum and expand its offerings, they very well could be the next big thing in mechanical keyboard switches.
Final Verdict: Highly Recommended for Enthusiasts and Professionals Alike
