Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Mountain Top are two popular linear options worth considering. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch that offers a slightly textured feel straight out of the box. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is designed for office environments, providing a quiet yet responsive typing experience that is ideal for professionals seeking discretion. While the Keygeek Raw offers a textured and mild typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top is characterized by its bouncy and easy-to-press feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Mountain Top switches both have a nylon component, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Keygeek Raw utilizes a blend of Nylon & UPE for the top housing, while the Gateron Mountain Top uses pure nylon. This difference may result in a slightly varied sound experience between the two switches. The Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing further sets it apart from the Gateron Mountain Top, as this exclusive blend likely adds unique characteristics to the switch's overall sound and feel.
Despite both switches featuring a nylon component in their housing materials, the Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Mountain Top switches offer slightly different typing experiences. The exclusivity of the Keygeek Raw's housing blends may provide a more customized sound and feel compared to the Gateron Mountain Top's pure nylon housing. The Keygeek Raw's unique blend may result in a sound profile that is distinct from the deeper and fuller sound associated with nylon housing in general, offering a more specialized typing experience to users seeking a specific sound profile in their switches.
In considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that the Keygeek Raw and Gateron Mountain Top switches may exhibit differences in sound and feel due to their unique housing blends. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing in a switch can influence both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. While the use of nylon in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the exclusive housing blends of the Keygeek Raw switches may result in a more tailored typing experience for users looking for a switch with a specific sound signature.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Keygeek Raw has an actuation force of None grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel. When it comes to bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw requires 57.5 grams, while the Mountain Top only needs 50 grams to bottom out. This makes the Keygeek Raw slightly heavier when fully pressed compared to the Mountain Top. For those who enjoy extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, the lighter actuation force of the Mountain Top may be more comfortable. However, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Keygeek Raw with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it is clear that they offer a consistent travel distance that allows for a smooth and predictable typing experience. Users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and actuation with either of these switches. Whether you choose the Keygeek Raw or the Gateron Mountain Top, you can be assured of a standard travel distance that provides a satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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, both the Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Mountain Top switches are described as having neutral sound profiles, making them suitable for a variety of environments and users. The sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so both switches should provide similar results when it comes to sound.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw is noted for its slightly textured feel right out of the box, providing a unique tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are described as bouncy and easy-to-press, offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Despite these differences in feel, both switches fall into the category of providing a gentler typing experience, making them approachable to most users.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Raw and Gateron Mountain Top switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Keygeek Raw provides a creamy and lightweight feel with a slightly textured experience, the Gateron Mountain Top switches focus on providing a quiet and easy-to-press typing experience ideal for professional environments. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch could be a suitable choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a creamy, textured feel with the option to hand-lube your switches, then the Keygeek Raw may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel that is perfect for office environments requiring discreet typing, then the Gateron Mountain Top switch may be more suitable. Consider your typing style, environment, and desired experience when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and enjoy your mechanical keyboard experience.
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