TTC Iron vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Iron and Gateron Mountain Top are both linear mechanical keyboard switches offering unique advantages for different preferences. The TTC Iron is characterized by its pronounced clacky sound signature, making each press a satisfying auditory experience. With swift actuation and buttery smooth travel, it is an ideal choice for those seeking precision and pleasure in typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is designed for office environments, providing a quiet yet satisfying typing experience. Its light actuation and subtle sound signature make it perfect for discreet typing in professional settings. While the TTC Iron excels in offering a tactile and satisfying typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top focuses on providing a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience. 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
41g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Iron and the Gateron Mountain Top utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, allowing for a unique typing experience. The Iron features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile when typing, while the Mountain Top uses a nylon top housing to elicit a fuller and rounder sound. Despite this difference, both switches offer a pleasing and distinctive typing sound that is sure to enhance the user's overall typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Iron and Mountain Top switches also differ in material, with the Iron utilizing POM and the Mountain Top using nylon. The POM bottom housing of the Iron contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top enhances the overall sound with a softer and more absorbing quality. These contrasting materials highlight the impact that bottom housing can have on the overall sound profile of a switch, further emphasizing the attention to detail in the design of these mechanical keyboards.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom components of the TTC Iron and Gateron Mountain Top switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each. While the Iron's POM housing creates a unique sound that is deep and muted, the Mountain Top's nylon housing offers a fuller and rounder sound. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience, showcasing how the use of different materials can result in distinct auditory feedback for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The TTC Iron linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The Iron has an actuation force of 41 grams, while the Mountain Top has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, both switches require 50 grams of force, providing a consistent typing experience across both options. This makes them both suitable for users who prefer a lighter key press. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, they may find the slightly heavier actuation force of the Iron to be more to their liking. In general, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may lean towards the Mountain Top, while those looking for a slightly heavier touch may opt for the Iron.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Iron linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Iron has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. If you prefer a switch with a quicker actuation, the Mountain Top may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the keypress, the Iron may be more suitable. Overall, while there is a slight difference in travel distance between the two switches, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 TTC Iron linear switch offers a clacky sound signature that adds a satisfying crispness and brightness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a more neutral and subdued sound profile, ideal for environments where quiet typing is preferred. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Iron offering a more pronounced auditory feedback while the Mountain Top focuses on discreet typing.
In terms of feel, the TTC Iron linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation and providing a smooth typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a bouncy and elastic feedback sensation, adding a lively rebound to each key press. While the Iron provides a light and effortless typing feel, the Mountain Top offers a more dynamic and responsive typing experience, catering to users who prefer a bit more bounce in their switches.
Overall, the TTC Iron linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch each have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Iron excels in providing a clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel for users seeking precision and pleasure in their typing experience. Meanwhile, the Mountain Top focuses on a neutral sound profile and bouncy key feel, ideal for discreet and dynamic typing in professional settings. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with gentle resistance or a subdued sound with a lively feedback, both switches offer quality options for users to enjoy their typing sessions.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the following guidelines: If you prioritize a pronounced clacky sound and buttery smooth travel for a pleasurable typing experience, the TTC Iron may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you require a quiet yet satisfying typing experience tailored for office environments, the Gateron Mountain Top could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound and feel, as both switches offer a light bottom out force of 50 grams. Make your selection based on what best suits your typing style and environment.
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