HMX EVA vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX EVA and Gateron Mountain Top offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences and settings. The HMX EVA, inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, is celebrated for its resonant sound signature and silky smooth typing feel, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who enjoy a lively and expressive typing experience. It is described with characteristics like 'feathery', 'silky', and 'clacky', appealing to those who appreciate a bit of tactile excitement in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is engineered specifically for office environments, prioritizing discretion without sacrificing the joy of typing. Its subdued sound signature and comfortably light actuation create a pragmatic choice for professionals needing to maintain a tranquil workspace while still enjoying a responsive typing experience. The Mountain Top is described with traits like 'bouncy' and 'easy-to-press', making it an ideal contender for long hours of typing with minimal distraction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EVA and the Gateron Mountain Top switches, it is important to note that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality plays a significant role in shaping the acoustic and tactile qualities of the switches. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material due to its unique properties, particularly its relatively softer nature compared to harder plastics. As a result, both the EVA and Mountain Top switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by a duller and rounder acoustic output. The shared material composition ensures a similarity in the auditory experience produced when typing on both switches, which can be particularly appealing for users seeking a more refined sound while they type.
While both the EVA and Mountain Top switches feature nylon as their housing material, their sound and feel retention during usage will be influenced by the specific design elements and characteristics inherent to each switch. Both switches promise a balanced distribution of sound due to the nature of nylon absorbing impact, thus reducing sharper acoustics typically associated with stiffer plastics. However, since the feel of a switch can also be affected by its internal components and overall design, users may have differing preferences despite the common material. The switch experience facilitates a nuanced interaction; while the bottom housing's material provides grounding to the bottom-out feel, the top housing contributes to the overall auditory experience upon key release.
In exploring the performance metrics of these two switches, it is clear that the use of nylon plays a significant role in delivering a consistent result across both products. Because they share the same housing material, both the HMX EVA and the Gateron Mountain Top utilize nylon’s acoustic properties, which makes them capable of producing similar sound profiles that are well-regarded for their depth. Consequently, whether a user chooses the EVA or Mountain Top, they can expect a satisfying tactile response and a rich typing sound. Thus, users who prioritize the auditory characteristics of their typing experience may find that they achieve akin results from either switch model, largely thanks to the effective use of nylon in constructing their housings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EVA linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer a softer typing experience. The EVA switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Mountain Top switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that both switches require a light touch to engage, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions; however, the Mountain Top switch does necessitate a slightly stronger push to reach the bottom than the EVA. Consequently, the EVA can be considered the lighter option overall, as it is easier to actuate and bottom out compared to the Mountain Top, which, despite its similar light actuation force, has a heavier bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EVA linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we find that the EVA has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mountain Top measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This distinction means that the EVA offers a deeper key press, which can provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer the sense of depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Mountain Top, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation with less travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference: if you favor a more traditional feel with a hearty depth, the EVA is the better option, whereas if you are inclined towards quick and responsive typing or gaming, the Mountain Top might be the more suitable choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX EVA switch presents a clacky auditory profile, characterized by its sharp, crisp, and percussive sounds. This can lead to a vibrant typing experience that is somewhat distinctive, making each keystroke feel impactful. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a more neutral sound signature, moderated to suit office environments where discretion is valued. Its subdued sound is less prominent but still capable of producing a satisfying auditory feedback, balancing functional noise levels with comfort. Overall, while the EVA provides a more lively and resonant sound, the Mountain Top is designed to be unobtrusive, catering to those who might require quieter typing in professional settings.
In terms of feel, the HMX EVA switches excel with their feathery and silky characteristics. They are exceptionally light to press, which minimizes finger fatigue over extended typing sessions, making them incredibly comfortable for both gaming and work. The smoothness enhances the typing experience by reducing resistance during keystrokes, and the bouncy nature adds an enjoyable rebound with each press. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches also incorporate some bouncy qualities, delivering an elastic feedback that makes typing responsive and lively. Their easy-to-press design ensures that minimal force is needed, further reducing fatigue. While both switches aim for comfort, the EVA leans more towards a silky smooth experience, whereas the Mountain Top balances light key actuation with a responsive snappy feel, making them suitable for a wider range of environments.
In conclusion, both the HMX EVA and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches cater to specific needs yet share similarities in providing a comfortable typing experience, albeit with distinct characteristics. The EVA's clacky sound and smooth, feathery feel contrast with the Mountain Top's neutral auditory profile and bouncy feedback, tailored for discreet environments. If you're seeking vibrant aesthetics and tactile enjoyment, the EVA might be your choice; however, if you prioritize a quiet, comfortable typing experience in shared spaces, the Mountain Top is an excellent option. Overall, each switch brings its unique qualities to the table, allowing users to select based on their specific preferences and typing environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it ultimately hinges on your specific needs and environment. If you are someone who enjoys a more expressive typing experience, particularly in personal or gaming settings, the HMX EVA with its light 48-gram actuation force and clacky sound profile can add to the excitement and engagement of your input. Its feathery and silky smooth feel will minimize finger fatigue, making it ideal for prolonged sessions of play or writing where responsiveness and tactile enjoyment are paramount. On the other hand, if your primary use case leans more toward a professional or shared workspace, the Gateron Mountain Top is designed with discretion in mind. With a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, it provides a quiet, neutral sound signature that won’t disrupt colleagues, while its bouncy and easy-to-press characteristics ensure a comfortable and efficient typing experience devoid of excessive noise. Thus, consider your usage context: choose the EVA for vibrant, personal interactions, and opt for the Mountain Top if you seek a balanced, unobtrusive typing experience better suited for office environments.
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