Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Mountain Top offer contrasting experiences for different preferences. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch that provides a gentle bump and a medium-high pitch for a satisfying typing experience. It is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile sensation without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is a linear switch designed for discreet typing in office environments, offering a quiet yet responsive typing experience. While both switches are easy to press and have a mild actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is best suited for those seeking a tactile bump, whereas the Mountain Top is perfect for those prioritizing quietness and subtlety. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Mountain Top, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches share this characteristic, emphasizing a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Mountain Top utilizes nylon for its top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a different sound characteristic compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Mountain Top impacts the sound and feel of the switches in distinct ways. While both switches share nylon for the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and more resonant sound, contrasting with the Mountain Top's nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. These differences highlight how the choice of housing materials can significantly influence the typing experience on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may gravitate towards the Mountain Top switch, which requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out, making it easier to type for extended periods. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a bit more resistance, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing comfort and key response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is clear that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Mountain Top's 3.4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but can make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. The G Pro's 4.0mm travel distance falls more in line with the traditional distance, providing a more familiar feel to users. On the other hand, the Mountain Top's 3.4mm travel distance offers a slightly shorter and potentially faster response time that some users may prefer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference when it comes to the depth and responsiveness of the switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback to enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings, including office environments where discretion is key. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch provides an easy-to-press experience with a gentle tactile bump that won't disrupt your typing flow. Additionally, it offers a mild typing feel that is approachable for most users. As for the Mountain Top switch, it is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that adds liveliness to your typing. Similar to the G Pro 3.0 Brown, the Mountain Top switch also offers an easy-to-press feel that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch have their unique qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Brown excels in providing a delightful tactile sensation and a medium-high pitch sound while the Mountain Top prioritizes discretion with a neutral sound profile and bouncy typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Keep in mind that the overall typing experience is subjective and can vary based on personal preference and the environment in which the keyboard is used. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance that caters to different typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a delightful typing experience characterized by a gentle bump and satisfying auditory feedback, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a subtle resistance and gentle rebound, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is the ideal option, especially for office environments where discretion is key. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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