Zuoce Lavender vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender and Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, two linear switches with distinct characteristics come to mind. The Lavender switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch by Gateron is designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet tactile typing experience suitable for professional settings. While the Lavender switch is known for being easy-to-press and clacky, the Mountain Top switch is characterized by its bouncy, mild, and subtle feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on your preferences and needs; 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
48g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and the Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique housing materials for their switches. The Lavender features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing that creates a fuller and rounder sound. Both materials absorb sound, but POM is known for its pleasing sound profile, while nylon is known for its classic switch housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lavender and the Mountain Top use POM and nylon materials respectively. POM housings in the Lavender switch offer a deep and muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing in the Mountain Top switch contributes to a fuller sound experience. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the POM material in the Lavender switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Gateron Mountain Top provide different sound profiles and tactile experiences. While the POM and nylon top housings have distinct characteristics in terms of sound production, the POM and nylon bottom housings also contribute to the overall typing experience. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch differ in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Lavender has a higher actuation force at 48 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 40 grams, making the Lavender switch slightly heavier in this aspect. In terms of bottom out force, the Lavender requires 53 grams while the Mountain Top requires 50 grams, with the Lavender once again being slightly heavier. Both switches fall within the light to medium-light range, providing a relatively gentle typing experience. Individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Mountain Top, while those who prefer a slightly firmer push may find the Lavender more appealing for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the Lavender and Mountain Top switches offer users the ability to choose a switch that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches indicates that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. The consistency in this aspect showcases that both switches offer a standard typing experience in terms of travel distance. So, whether you choose the Zuoce Lavender or the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, you can anticipate the same travel distance, ensuring a familiar typing experience regardless of your selection.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 Zuoce Lavender switch offers a crisp and clacky sound that is sure to please those who enjoy a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments without being too loud or distracting. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics, so the choice between them will depend on personal preference and the setting in which they will be used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Zuoce Lavender switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering a gentle and responsive typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Meanwhile, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as bouncy, providing a lively and spring-like feedback sensation that adds a dynamic element to typing. Whether you prefer a light and effortless typing feel or a more energetic and responsive one, both switches offer distinct tactile experiences that can enhance your overall typing performance.
In conclusion, while the Zuoce Lavender and Gateron Mountain Top switches differ in sound and feel, they both offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prioritize a clacky sound signature or a subtle and neutral one, as well as an easy-to-press or bouncy typing feel, both switches deliver in their own unique ways. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user's typing environment.
Conclusion
Therefore, when making a choice between Zuoce Lavender linear switches and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smooth and clacky typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Lavender switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter typing experience with a light bottom out force designed for office settings, the Mountain Top switch would be more suited to your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so decide based on what aligns best with your typing style and environment. Ultimately, the decision between the Zuoce Lavender and Gateron Mountain Top switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and requirements.
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