Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro is renowned for its fully polycarbonate construction, offering a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed for discreet office use, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a light actuation. While the Crystal Pro switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Chirpy', and 'Polished', the Mountain Top switch is labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle'. Each switch offers distinct advantages depending on the user's preferences and requirements. 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
48g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Crystal Pro featuring a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Mountain Top uses a nylon top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Pro produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, creating a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top generates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic construction. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate housing of the Crystal Pro is more likely to be used for switches that incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top continue to differ in their materials, with the Crystal Pro featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing and the Mountain Top utilizing a nylon bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal Pro produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top creates a duller and rounder sound through its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The choice of bottom housing material can impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, with the Crystal Pro emphasizing clarity and resonance, and the Mountain Top focusing on depth and fullness.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches, whether polycarbonate or nylon, plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of a mechanical keyboard. While the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, both materials have unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. Whether one prefers the sharper, higher-pitched sound profile of polycarbonate in the Crystal Pro or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the Mountain Top, each housing material offers a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences and needs.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 40 grams, making it a bit heavier. Additionally, the V3 Crystal Pro has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Mountain Top has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The V3 Crystal Pro offers a more medium feel in terms of resistance, while the Mountain Top provides a lighter touch. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the V3 Crystal Pro, while those who prefer a lighter keystroke may opt for the Mountain Top. In both cases, users can expect a smooth linear switch experience, with the differences in actuation and bottom out forces catering to individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The V3 Crystal Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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 Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a distinctive chirpy sound that sets it apart from others, providing a bright and unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches deliver different acoustic experiences that can be further influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, both the V3 Crystal Pro and the Mountain Top switches offer a bouncy sensation, providing a lively feedback during typing. The V3 Crystal Pro is also known for its polished finish, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. The Mountain Top switch, in contrast, is described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance and effortless typing comfort, ideal for extended use in professional settings. With additional qualities like snappiness, mildness, and subtlety, the Mountain Top switch offers a range of tactile experiences to cater to different typing preferences.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches offer different sound and feel qualities, they both excel in providing unique typing experiences tailored to specific preferences. Whether you prefer a chirpy and bright sound with a bouncy and polished feel, or a neutral sound with an easy-to-press and gentle typing experience, both switches deliver on their promises. With these switches, users can expect a high level of customization and comfort in their typing sessions, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a bright and chirpy sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience that is perfect for professional settings, the Mountain Top may be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a bouncy, polished feel, the V3 Crystal Pro could be a better fit. Conversely, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a variety of feel options such as bouncy, easy-to-press, and snappy, the Mountain Top switch might be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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