Gazzew LT vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch with the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences and needs. The Gazzew LT stands out with its deep, resonant thockiness and seamless glide, appealing to those who enjoy a bassy and thocky typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is designed for office environments, providing a quiet yet lightly tactile typing experience that is ideal for professional settings. While the LT offers a more pronounced and bass-heavy typing experience, the Mountain Top focuses on discreet and subtle typing. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and Gateron Mountain Top both boast unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Gazzew LT features a proprietary plastic blend, known as "boba plastic," for both its top and bottom housing. This material is praised for delivering a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics.
While both switches utilize different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material are split between the two parts of the switch. The bottom housing of the Gazzew LT and Gateron Mountain Top will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing will play a larger role in the sound produced when a key is released. Despite these differences, both the Gazzew LT and Gateron Mountain Top ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT and Gateron Mountain Top each offer their own take on switch housing materials to deliver distinct sound profiles. The "boba plastic" of the Gazzew LT and the nylon of the Gateron Mountain Top both contribute to a rich and full sound when typing. While the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Both switches strive to provide a unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences, whether through the rich softness of the "boba plastic" or the sound-absorbing nature of nylon. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top is the lighter option in terms of force. The LT has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is unknown, while the Mountain Top has a actuation force of 40 grams. In contrast, the LT has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy, whereas the Mountain Top has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is lighter. This shows that the LT switch requires more force to bottom out compared to the Mountain Top. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Mountain Top may be the preferred choice. However, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the LT switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Gateron Mountain Top has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gazzew LT. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular among gamers for faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly more responsive feel, the Gazzew LT may be the better option, while if you prefer a bit more depth in the key press, the Gateron Mountain Top could be a better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their comparable travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, 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 Gazzew LT linear switch is known for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and rich auditory experience that resonates with each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments, especially in professional settings where discretion is key. Both switches provide a distinct sound, with the LT leaning towards a more impactful and bass-heavy tone, while the Mountain Top offers a more moderate and versatile sound signature.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gazzew LT does not have specific descriptors provided, indicating that the focus may be more on the sound rather than the tactile feel. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, offering a range of tactile feedback options to cater to different typing preferences. With a focus on providing a responsive and comfortable typing experience, the Mountain Top switches excel in offering a lively and low-impact keypress that enhances the overall typing feel.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Gazzew LT linear switch excels in providing a deep and resonant sound experience, highlighted by its bassy and thocky characteristics. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a more neutral and versatile sound profile, tailored for professional settings. When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gazzew LT may prioritize the auditory experience more, while the Gateron Mountain Top focuses on offering a range of tactile feedback options to suit varying preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound richness or tactile feedback versatility in your typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the LT if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a satisfyingly deep and resonant thocky sound profile. The LT switches offer a seamless typing experience with their lilac hue and bassy, thocky sound. On the other hand, choose the Mountain Top if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile. The Mountain Top switches are designed for discretion and quiet typing, making them ideal for professional environments. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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