KTT Laurel vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, one can see distinct differences in their design and intended use. The KTT Laurel is a medium-light linear switch known for its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, providing a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. With a subtly low-pitched sound profile, the Laurel switch offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are tailored for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. These switches are designed for discreet, continuous typing in professional settings, balancing a subdued sound signature with comfortably light actuation. While the Laurel switch is more focused on responsiveness and comfort, the Mountain Top switch prioritizes discretion and professionalism. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
22m spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Mountain Top both contribute to creating a pleasing and unique sound profile. The Laurel's POM top and bottom housing offer a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Mountain Top's nylon housing. The nylon material used in the Mountain Top switch absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a rounder and duller sound when typing. In contrast, the POM material in the Laurel switch provides a slightly sharper and clearer sound profile.
Despite their differences, both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material used in their housing. The POM material in the Laurel switch and the nylon material in the Mountain Top switch create a unique typing experience with their sound properties. While the POM housing on the Laurel switch is known for its pleasing sound, the nylon housing on the Mountain Top switch offers a classic feel that absorbs more sound, resulting in a softer sound profile. Overall, both switches excel in providing a tactile and auditory experience for users.
The top and bottom housing materials of a switch can have distinct impacts on the sound and feel of typing. In the case of the Laurel and Mountain Top switches, the differences in their housing materials contribute to unique sound profiles. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective POM and nylon housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch show some similarities and differences. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a consistent typing feel when fully pressed. However, the Laurel has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 40 grams, making it slightly lighter in terms of initial key press. For those who prefer a lighter touch and less hand fatigue during extended use, the Laurel may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Mountain Top offers a slightly heavier initial press, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Laurel being slightly longer than the Mountain Top. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Laurel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 KTT Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched profile, while the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a more neutral sound experience. The low-pitched sound of the Laurel switch adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to typing sessions. In contrast, the neutral sound of the Mountain Top switch makes it suitable for various environments, including professional settings where discretion is essential. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. The longer pole design and full POM housing contribute to the lively feel of this switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is characterized as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. These qualities combine to provide a comfortable and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The bouncy and spring-like feedback of the Mountain Top switch adds a lively feel to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel switch presents a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy typing feel, making it a responsive and comfortable option for typing enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch provides a neutral sound and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, catering specifically to office environments where quiet and comfortable typing is essential. Depending on personal preference and specific typing needs, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the specific qualities that align with your preferences and needs. If you value a medium-light switch with a low-pitched sound profile, snappy feel, and full POM housing, the KTT Laurel may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch designed for discretion, with a neutral sound profile, bouncy and easy-to-press feel, and engineered for quiet typing in professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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