TTC Gold Pink vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing needs, the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique features worth considering. The Gold Pink, a linear switch, stands out with its 37g actuation force, making it one of the lightest switches available. Ideal for those seeking a fast and effortless typing experience, whether for rapid typing or gaming, these switches provide a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top, another linear switch, is designed with the office environment in mind. With a focus on discretion, these switches offer a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, perfect for professional settings where continuous typing is necessary. While the Gold Pink is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Mountain Top is labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals, but diving deeper into their specifics will ultimately help you decide on the best switch for your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial 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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Mountain Top, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon as a housing material is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, both switches will likely provide a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
On the other hand, the Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Mountain Top utilizes nylon for its top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, nylon in the top housing will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a different typing experience compared to polycarbonate. This contrast in sound quality between the top housings of the two switches showcases how different housing materials can impact the overall typing feel and sound.
Overall, while both switches may share a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom housing material, the choice of top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Gold Pink will provide a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Mountain Top will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon top housing. This distinction highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and sound quality of mechanical switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch are quite similar, with both being light switches. The Gold Pink has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches are on the lighter side, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The difference in weight between the two switches is minimal, with the Mountain Top being slightly heavier. For those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel, the Mountain Top may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively light actuation and bottom out force, providing a comfortable typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Gold Pink offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it a better option for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Mountain Top provides a shallower travel distance, appealing to users who prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Pink being the longer option and the Mountain Top being the shorter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Pink switch is best known for its clacky sound, providing a satisfying level of feedback to the user. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most environments including office settings where discretion is key.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Pink switch is known for its buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished characteristics, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a light actuation force. In comparison, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with minimal force required for activation, catering to a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the TTC Gold Pink switch is ideal for users who prefer a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound, perfect for rapid typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed for professional environments where a quiet yet light actuation switch is needed, emphasizing discreet and continuous typing. Despite their differences, both switches cater to specific preferences and offer unique qualities that cater to different user needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and intended usage.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the typing environment and experience you prioritize. If you value a light and responsive typing experience for speedy typing or gaming, the TTC Gold Pink switch with its 37g actuation force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience tailored for office settings, the Gateron Mountain Top switch with its 50g bottom out force could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
