TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro and Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique features that cater to different preferences and environments. The TTC Gold Red Pro is widely praised for its versatility, providing a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that is suitable for various settings such as gaming, office work, or casual typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed specifically for quiet and discreet typing in professional office environments, offering a light actuation and subdued sound signature. While the Gold Red Pro is polished and thocky, the Mountain Top is bouncy and easy-to-press. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro and Gateron Mountain Top switches both feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a similar tactile experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. However, the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Mountain Top's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the materials used in the top housing of the Gold Red Pro and Mountain Top switches are different. The Gold Red Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, giving it a translucent appearance that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch features a nylon top housing, which does not offer the same level of translucency. This means that if you prioritize RGB lighting in your setup, the Gold Red Pro may be the better choice due to its polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, while both the TTC Gold Red Pro and Gateron Mountain Top switches offer a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities. If you value a sharper, crisper sound profile and RGB lighting capabilities, the Gold Red Pro with its polycarbonate top housing may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile and do not prioritize RGB lighting, the Gateron Mountain Top switch with its nylon top housing may be more suitable for your needs.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mountain Top switch is heavier at 50 grams, whereas the Gold Red Pro switch does not provide information on its bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top switch might be the better option due to its lower actuation force. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and don't mind a heavier switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch could be a suitable choice. Both switches provide a different typing experience, catering to individuals with varying preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red 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 increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Mountain Top switch. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Gold Red Pro with its 3.8 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Gold Red Pro linear switch has a low-pitched and thocky sound profile that is described as neutral, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch also has a neutral sound profile, emphasizing discretion and a quiet typing experience ideal for office settings. Both switches offer a balanced sound signature, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience without being too obtrusive.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Red Pro switch is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, providing a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It is described as mild and subtle, offering a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. In comparison, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is noted for being bouncy, easy-to-press, and snappy, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer a comfortable and approachable feel that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch both excel in different aspects. The Gold Red Pro switch is versatile and adaptable, with a neutral sound and a polished, silky feel that caters to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed for discretion and quietness, offering a bouncy and easy-to-press feel that is ideal for professional environments. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide high-quality performance that will deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gold Red Pro or the Mountain Top switch, you can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, you should consider your typing environment and preferences. If you are looking for a versatile switch that offers a neutral sound profile and a smooth, refined typing experience, the Gold Red Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience suitable for office settings with a light actuation force and subtle feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is a strong contender. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual needs and preferences to ensure an optimal typing experience.
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