KTT Mallo vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, you have two distinct options to consider. The Mallo is praised for its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, making it a versatile choice for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Mountain Top is engineered for discretion and provides a quiet yet light actuation, making it ideal for office settings. While the Mallo offers a balanced typing experience with just noticeable feedback, the Mountain Top emphasizes unobtrusive typing in professional settings. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Gateron Mountain Top's nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Aesthetically, the translucent polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, whereas the nylon top housing provides a classic look.
On the other hand, both the Mallo and the Mountain Top use a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that the typing experience on both switches will have a consistent feel in terms of sound depth and fullness.
In terms of overall typing experience, the KTT Mallo's split between its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a mix of sharp and full sounds, creating a balanced typing experience. The Gateron Mountain Top's consistent use of nylon housing throughout both top and bottom results in a deeper and fuller sound profile across the board. While each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the switches, ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic considerations like RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the Mallo requires no actuation force and has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. The actuation force is crucial as it determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates the maximum force required to press the key all the way down. In this case, the Mountain Top switch provides a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Mallo offers a slightly heavier feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for typing feel and ergonomics.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Mallo offers a longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top, providing a deeper feel when typing. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top switch. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Mallo offering a more traditional typing experience and the Mountain Top catering to those who prefer a shallower key press. Both switches provide a different tactile feel and response, so choosing between them depends on individual typing preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo and Gateron Mountain Top switches share a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments. The Mallo offers a subdued sound that is not entirely silent, providing a more subtle sound signature for typing. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch is specifically engineered for office settings, emphasizing a quiet typing experience without being completely silent. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Mallo switch is noted for its feathery and mild typing experience, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. With a subtle resistance, the Mallo provides a comfortable typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as bouncy and easy-to-press, giving a responsive and low-impact typing experience. Both switches fall into the mild category, providing a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users.
Overall, both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer versatile options for different typing preferences. While the Mallo excels in providing a balanced tactile feedback and a neutral sound signature, the Mountain Top is tailored for discreet typing in professional settings with its quiet yet responsive feel. Depending on your personal preferences and typing environment, you can expect a similar typing experience with either switch in terms of sound level and overall feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the following factors. Choose the Mallo if you prefer a medium-light typing feel with a gentle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overpowering. The Mallo's neutral sound signature also makes it a versatile choice for various typing environments. On the other hand, opt for the Mountain Top if you need a light actuation force switch that offers a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, catering specifically to office settings. Both switches have their unique strengths, so choose based on your preferences for tactility, sound, and typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing habits and environment to enhance your overall typing experience.
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