HMX Hibiscus vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Mountain Top each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and environments. The HMX Hibiscus stands out with its ultra-light actuation force and a delightfully clacky, poppy sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a smooth and engaging typing experience that feels feather-light beneath their fingers. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches prioritize discretion and quiet operation, making them perfect for office settings where a subdued yet responsive typing experience is essential. While the Hibiscus shines in environments that celebrate boldness and personality, the Mountain Top finds its niche in maintaining a professional atmosphere without sacrificing tactile feedback. 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
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Mountain Top switches reveal a shared commitment to the use of nylon, a classic and effective material in keyboard switches. Each switch features both a nylon top and bottom housing, which contributes to their similar auditory characteristics. As a softer plastic, nylon significantly absorbs sound compared to harder plastics, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This property is crucial for enthusiasts looking for a satisfying audio experience when typing or gaming. The consistency in using nylon for both the top and bottom housings in these models accentuates the overall effectiveness of the sound dampening, resulting in a pronounced dullness and roundness in the switches’ sound.
When examining the individual components, the impact of the nylon material becomes evident in how the sound profile manifests during usage. For both the Hibiscus and Mountain Top switches, the softer nature of the nylon allows each switch to offer a more enjoyable typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel significantly. Therefore, with both the Hibiscus and Mountain Top utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, users can anticipate similar tactile responses and auditory results when bottoming out a key. This congruence suggests that any user transitioning from one type to the other will experience little to no variance in their typing feedback or sound quality.
In contrast, while the construction materials are identical, the overall experience of these switches lies in the design and engineering nuances that accompany their structures. If there were differences in the materials or designs of the top and bottom housings, the individual qualities of each would likely change the total performance, such as how the sounds are perceived when pressing or releasing a key. However, with the Hibiscus and Mountain Top sharing the same nylon composition throughout, users can expect a consistent tactile sensation and acoustic experience from either switch. This commonality provides reassurance to consumers that they can achieve similar auditory and tactile results, regardless of which brand they choose.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both exhibit light actuation forces, with the Hibiscus requiring 42 grams to actuate and the Mountain Top needing 40 grams. This slight difference means that the Mountain Top is marginally lighter in terms of actuation, which could potentially lead to a more comfortable typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch. In terms of bottom out forces, the Hibiscus has a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Mountain Top's bottom out force is slightly higher at 50 grams. This indicates that the Mountain Top switch gives a firmer feel when fully pressed down, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial feedback as they type. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side, the Mountain Top offers a slightly lighter actuation but a heavier bottom out force compared to the Hibiscus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we find that the Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the longer option, while the Mountain Top measures at 3.4 mm, positioning it as the shorter switch. This slight difference of 0.1 mm may have a subtle impact on the typing experience, particularly for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke versus a quicker response. Gaming enthusiasts might gravitate towards the Mountain Top for its shorter travel distance, facilitating rapid key presses and faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may favor the Hibiscus for its fuller depth. Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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 Hibiscus linear switch is renowned for its clacky and poppy sound signature, providing a bright and crisp auditory experience that adds character to typing. This sharp, percussive sound can be engaging for some users, particularly those who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch emphasizes discretion in office environments, producing a neutral sound profile that is quiet but not entirely silent. This moderate sound allows for less disturbance in shared spaces, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings where noise levels matter.
In terms of feel, both switches exhibit bounciness, offering a lively, spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience. The Hibiscus switch is particularly noted for its feathery lightness, making it exceptionally easy to press and reducing finger fatigue, which is ideal for prolonged use whether for gaming or typing. The Mountain Top, while also easy to press, adds elements such as snappiness and subtle resistance, making for a responsive yet gentle typing experience that requires minimal force. This combination of characteristics in the Mountain Top enhances user comfort without compromising performance during extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Mountain Top switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences, but they cater to slightly different preferences. If you appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Hibiscus will resonate with you; however, if you prefer a quieter action suitable for professional environments, the Mountain Top is a strong choice. Both switches share qualities like bounciness and light actuation force, resulting in a comfortable typing experience overall, making them appealing options for anyone exploring mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch should be guided by your specific typing environment and preferences. If you are looking for an exceptionally smooth and feathery typing experience with a crisp, clacky sound that can enhance your gaming or creative typing sessions, the Hibiscus switch is an excellent choice. Its ultra-light actuation force combines with a lively, bouncy feel, making it perfect for extended use without causing finger fatigue. Conversely, if your primary concern is a quieter typing experience for an office setting or shared workspace, the Gateron Mountain Top switch caters to that need with its neutral sound profile and balanced design. The gentle yet responsive actuation of the Mountain Top allows for comfortable typing while maintaining discretion, making it ideal for professionals who need to focus without disturbing others. Ultimately, assess your environment and typing style to select the switch that complements your needs best.
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