KTT Kang White vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it becomes evident that each offers different advantages depending on the user's needs. The Kang White is known for its exquisite poppy linear typing sound and unparalleled smoothness, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is designed specifically for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience that is ideal for professional settings. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Kang White and the Gateron Mountain Top, we can see that the Kang White uses a polycarbonate top housing while the Mountain Top uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Kang White creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a different auditory experience compared to the Kang White. While the Kang White is better suited for RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate, the Mountain Top's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Kang White and the Mountain Top use nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound compared to stiffer plastics. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom housing material. However, since the top and bottom housings are different for each switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. This results in a unique sound profile for each switch based on the combination of materials used.
Overall, while both the KTT Kang White and the Gateron Mountain Top use nylon for their bottom housing, their top housing materials differ, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Kang White's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharp, high-pitched sound, while the Mountain Top's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials, with the Kang White being better suited for RGB lighting and a clear, resonant sound, and the Mountain Top offering a duller, rounder sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differentiate the two. The Kang White has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 40 grams, making the Kang White the heavier of the two. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Kang White is also higher at 58 grams, while the Mountain Top requires 50 grams to bottom out. This indicates that the Kang White provides a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel, while the Mountain Top offers a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing experience, with the Kang White being better suited for those who prefer a heavier key press, and the Mountain Top appealing to those who favor a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The KTT Kang White linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, making it a more traditional option compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Kang White switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch provides a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, with the Kang White being slightly longer and the Mountain Top being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99, whereas the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00.
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 Kang White linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow typing experience suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, designed specifically for discretion in office environments while still maintaining a light actuation. Both switches provide a pleasant typing sound, with the Kang White leaning towards a poppy and dazzling sound, and the Mountain Top focusing on a quiet yet present typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kang White does not have specific descriptors available for comparison. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. These qualities offer a spring-like feedback, gentle resistance, gentle typing experience, super responsiveness, and a light typing feel, making it suitable for extended typing sessions and shared spaces. While the specific feel of the Kang White is unknown, both switches likely provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience based on these descriptions.
Overall, both the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kang White stands out for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, accompanied by a smooth typing experience thanks to its self-lubricating material. On the other hand, the Mountain Top caters to discreet typing in office environments with its focus on a quiet yet present sound and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the specific typing environment in which you plan to use them.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you value a smooth typing experience with a poppy sound and medium actuation force, the Kang White may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light, quiet typing experience designed for professional settings with easy-to-press keys and a subtle sound profile, the Gateron Mountain Top switch may better suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choose the one that best aligns with your individual preferences and requirements.
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