TTC Gold Brown vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Mountain Top, a linear switch, the two switches offer unique qualities to appeal to different preferences. The Gold Brown is best known for its balanced feel with a slight, satisfying bump and moderate weightiness, providing a softer sound profile compared to most switches. It is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', 'Accented', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a light actuation, ideal for professional settings. It is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle'. Each switch has its unique qualities making them suitable for different preferences and needs; 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Mountain Top switches both offer different housing materials that impact the sound and feel of typing on the switches. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While the materials differ, both housings play a crucial role in the overall sound profile of the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Brown and the Mountain Top switches use nylon as the material. This results in a similar experience of typing on switches that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. With the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the nylon material absorbs sound effectively to create a duller and rounder sound. Despite coming from different manufacturers, the utilization of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent tactile feedback and sound experience for users.
Overall, while the Gold Brown and the Mountain Top switches may have different housing materials for the top and bottom components, the qualities each material brings to the switch contribute to the overall typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing in the Gold Brown creates a clear and resonant sound profile, while the softer nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon top and bottom housings in the Mountain Top switch provide a consistent and tactile typing experience with a focus on sound absorption. Whether it's a polycarbonate or nylon housing, both switches are designed to enhance the user's typing experience with unique sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight. The Gold Brown has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a higher bottom out force of 63 grams, making it the heavier option. In comparison, the Mountain Top has a lower actuation force of 40 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Mountain Top more suitable, while individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Gold Brown. Both switches offer distinct feelings when typing due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring users can select the option that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Brown has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm. The Gold Brown offers a traditional travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Mountain Top offers a shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether you prefer the longer, more deliberate feel of the Gold Brown, or the shorter, quicker response of the Mountain Top. Both switches offer different experiences, but both can provide quality key presses depending on what you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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, both the TTC Gold Brown and Gateron Mountain Top switches fall under the neutral category, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most environments. The Gold Brown switch provides a softer and more rounded sound, while the Mountain Top switch emphasizes a quiet and subdued typing experience. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced also depends on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch is often described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate tactile bump. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is characterized as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, providing a springy and responsive feel with gentle resistance during key presses. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Brown and Gateron Mountain Top switches have their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they both aim to provide a balanced and pleasant typing experience. Whether you prefer a softer, more rounded sound profile with a moderate tactile bump or a quiet, springy feel with gentle resistance, both switches offer qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you value a balanced typing experience with a slight tactile bump and moderate weightiness, the Gold Brown switch is the way to go. Its rounded sound profile and medium actuation force make it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and light typing experience tailored for office settings, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is the better choice. With a lighter actuation force and a subtle sound profile, these switches are ideal for discreet and continuous typing in professional settings. Ultimately, your preference for tactile feedback and typing style will determine which switch suits you best.
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