Kailh Box White vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, there are some key differences to take into account. The Box White switch is perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory and tactile experience while typing, with its high-pitched sound and crunchy feel reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch is tailored for office environments, offering a quiet and light typing experience that is ideal for professional settings where discretion is key. While the Box White switch provides a more resonant and accentuated typing experience, the Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press feel with a subtle sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and intended use. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and the Gateron Mountain Top switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Box White's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, creating a clearer and more resonant sound. In comparison, the Mountain Top's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer distinct auditory experiences, polycarbonate is more likely to be used in switches with clear housings for RGB lighting effects, while nylon is a classic choice for a softer typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box White and the Mountain Top switches utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile that is created by the softer material's ability to absorb sound. The difference in sound between the two switches comes from their top housing materials, with the Box White featuring a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Mountain Top's nylon top housing. Despite the difference in top housing materials, the overall typing experience on both switches will still be influenced by the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Kailh Box White and the Gateron Mountain Top plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box White creates a distinct sharper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a common nylon bottom housing, which affects the overall typing experience by absorbing sound for a softer and fuller sound. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the two switches result in unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch's lighter 40 grams. Similarly, the Box White requires 60 grams of force to bottom out, while the Mountain Top needs 50 grams. The Box White provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium actuation and bottom out forces, while the Mountain Top offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother typing feel. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on personal preference – the Box White for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience and the Mountain Top for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Box White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Box White may provide a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, whereas the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00.
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 Kailh Box White clicky switch offers a resonant, high-pitched crunch that gives an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most environments due to its moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box White being ideal for those who enjoy a louder, more tactile typing experience and the Mountain Top being perfect for a quieter, more discreet typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Box White switch provides a polished typing experience with a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press sensation that provides a lively feel and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mountain Top switch falls into the mild and subtle categories, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users and suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and environments. If you prefer a loud, tactile typing experience, the Box White switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more discreet typing experience with a smooth and responsive feel, the Mountain Top switch would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance and reliability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box White clicky switch or the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, you should take into account your preference for typing experience. If you value maximum auditory feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Box White switch is the ideal choice. The resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, accompanied by a polished feel, will cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prioritize a discreet and light typing experience suitable for professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is the way to go. With a neutral sound profile and options like bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle feel descriptors, these switches offer a comfortable and unobtrusive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the environment in which you will be using them.
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