Dareu Master vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, notable differences between the two switches become apparent. The Master switch from Dareu offers a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation, making it a popular choice for users seeking a medium-weight linear switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed to provide a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, perfect for office environments where discretion is key. While the Master switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Mountain Top switch is labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle'. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Master's POM top and bottom housing provide a deeper and more muted sound, creating a pleasing typing experience. On the other hand, the Mountain Top's nylon top and bottom housing offer a fuller and rounder sound due to the softer plastic material absorbing more sound. While the POM and nylon materials have different characteristics, they both ultimately aim to enhance the typing sound and feel for users.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Dareu Master and the Gateron Mountain Top focus on creating an enjoyable typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The POM housing of the Master and the nylon housing of the Mountain Top each bring their own qualities to the switches, with the POM offering a deeper sound and the nylon providing a fuller sound. However, whether it's the POM or nylon housing, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with satisfying sound feedback that enhances their overall typing performance.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Master and the Gateron Mountain Top, it's interesting to note how each material affects different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. With the Master's POM housing and the Mountain Top's nylon housing, users can appreciate the attention to detail in the design of these switches, with each housing material contributing to a nuanced typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we find that the Master has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Mountain Top is 50 grams, while the Master's bottom out force is unknown. The Mountain Top is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Master may provide a slightly more substantial typing feel due to its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preference - whether you prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or a heavier push for a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when the key is pressed. This means that whether you choose the Dareu Master or the Gateron Mountain Top, you can expect a consistent feel in terms of key travel distance. Both switches offer a smooth and linear experience for users, with neither being shorter or longer than the other. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Master and Gateron Mountain Top will come down to personal preference and other factors such as actuation force and bottom-out force.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Master linear switch offers a classic clacky sound signature that is sharp and snappy when pressed, providing a crisp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile that is quiet yet not entirely silent, making it suitable for office environments where discretion is valued. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Master being more distinct and percussive, while the Mountain Top offers a subdued and moderate sound.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Master switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle typing sensation that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. The smooth and refined finish of the Master switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, offering spring-like feedback and requiring minimal force to activate. The Mountain Top switch also presents a mild and subtle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable for extended periods.
Overall, the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Master switch provides a clacky sound signature and a polished typing experience, while the Mountain Top switch offers a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing sensation, users can choose between the distinct characteristics of the Master switch or the subtle performance of the Mountain Top switch to achieve their desired typing experience. Both switches deliver high-quality performance tailored to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve satisfying results based on their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness in operation, the Dareu Master switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, especially for professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be a better fit with its light actuation force and subdued sound signature. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs, so assess your priorities and make your decision based on those factors.
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