Keygeek Keylin vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, it's fascinating to look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Mountain Top, both of which are linear switches known for their unique strengths. The Keylin switches stand out due to their use of innovative molds from Keygeek, providing a premium typing experience marked by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making them an ideal choice for enthusiasts who value a refined tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are tailored for office environments, focusing on discretion with their quiet yet slightly audible typing experience; this makes them particularly appealing for professional settings where unobtrusive typing is crucial. While the Keylin offers a lush and enjoyable sound, the Mountain Top prioritizes a comfortable and mild actuation suited for prolonged work without disturbing colleagues. 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
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Keylin and Gateron Mountain Top switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which lends them a shared acoustic profile. Nylon is renowned in the mechanical keyboard community for its unique sound characteristics, primarily due to its softer nature compared to harder plastics. This results in a deeper, fuller sound when the switches are typed on, as the nylon absorbs more sound vibrations. For both switches, the nylon harbors the ability to create a duller and rounder auditory experience, ensuring similar results in terms of the overall typing sound and feel. Given these shared housing materials, users of both switches can expect a comparable auditory performance when they engage with the keys.
While the top and bottom housings of both the Keylin and Mountain Top are made from the same material, their individual characteristics can affect the typing experience. The bottom housing typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel more prominently than the top housing, which impacts the sound produced when the key is released. Since both switches employ nylon for both housings, they are bound to deliver a consistent sensation throughout the keystroke. This uniformity means that even if the design elements vary, the acoustic result derived from typing on these switches remains notably similar due to their shared housing composition.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Keylin and Gateron Mountain Top switches illustrate how the choice of housing material significantly shapes the overall typing experience. Since both switches utilize nylon in their construction, users can expect a harmonious sound profile that is full-bodied and absorbing. The subtle distinctions that may arise from individual switch design or engineering will not overshadow the fundamental acoustic quality contributed by the nylon. Therefore, enthusiasts looking for a deep typing sound and a plush feel can confidently choose between either switch without sacrificing on the desired audio experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both switches fall within the lighter spectrum. The Keylin has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Mountain Top features a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Although the actuation and bottom out forces for both switches are relatively close, the Keylin is marginally lighter overall, offering a bit more ease when typing or gaming for extended periods. Users who favor a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Keylin for prolonged use, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may find the Mountain Top more appealing for its slightly more substantial typing experience. Overall, with their similar yet distinct feel, users can expect a comfortable typing experience regardless of their choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, notable differences arise. The Keylin features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mountain Top has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Keylin switch the longer of the two, offering a more pronounced actuation depth. In contrast, the Mountain Top's shorter travel distance is likely to appeal to gamers and those seeking faster response times, providing a snappier feel with less key travel. Ultimately, your preference will dictate the choice; if you enjoy a deeper and more tactile experience, the Keylin would be the better option, whereas if you favor rapid keystrokes, the Mountain Top would be advantageous due to its reduced travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is characterized by rich acoustics, contributing to a pleasant audio experience while typing. This flavor of sound can elevate the overall typing atmosphere, potentially making it appealing for home setups or occasions when you may want to enjoy the auditory feedback from your keys. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is designed with discretion in mind, producing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. Its neutral sound profile is suitable for both home and office environments, ensuring that your typing doesn't become an intrusive noise, making it ideal for continuous typing in professional settings.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin switch offers exceptional smoothness, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly as you type, which can enhance typing speed and accuracy. In comparison, the Mountain Top switch is characterized by its bouncy feedback, making the keys feel lively and responsive. Users will find that it requires minimal force to press down on these switches, thanks to their easy-to-press nature that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. With a mild and subtle resistance in its design, the Mountain Top switch strikes a balance between comfort and performance, facilitating an enjoyable typing experience that caters to both beginners and seasoned users.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Keylin and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different environments and user preferences. The Keylin's rich acoustics and smooth feel make it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a premium typing experience, while the Gateron Mountain Top excels in providing a quiet, responsive experience suited for office use. Depending on your priorities, whether they be rich sound or unobtrusive operation, these switches can provide rewarding experiences in their own right. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal typing habits and the settings in which you plan to use these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switches should ultimately depend on your specific typing needs and environment. If you're after a premium typing experience marked by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, the Keylin is likely to serve you well, especially if you value a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 48 grams. This switch is ideal if you're a tactile enthusiast who appreciates a switch that feels refined, allowing you to enjoy longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you work in a more professional setting where noise can be a concern, the Gateron Mountain Top might be the better option. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a balance of comfort and discretion, offering a quiet yet engaging typing feel that is both easy-to-press and bouncy. Their neutral sound profile makes them suitable for an office environment where you'll be typing frequently without disturbing others. Ultimately, consider the setting in which you'll be using your keyboard, along with your personal preferences for feedback and sound, to make the best choice between these two excellent options.
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