Durock Medium Tactile vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Mountain Top offer distinct advantages depending on your preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with a unique jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is designed for quiet and discrete typing, making it ideal for office environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. The Medium Tactile is categorized as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished', while the Mountain Top is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Yes
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Mountain Top switches feature nylon bottom housings, which create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material. However, the Durock switch has a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Mountain Top's nylon top housing. The different materials used in the top housing of these switches result in distinct sound characteristics, with the Durock switch likely providing a clearer and more resonant sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics, the Durock Medium Tactile switch stands out for its translucent polycarbonate top housing, which allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch does not offer the same level of visual appeal, as its nylon housing is not transparent. While both switches offer tactile feedback during typing, the Durock switch may have a more dynamic sound profile overall, thanks to the combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials in its construction.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Mountain Top switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics. The use of different housing materials in each switch results in distinct typing experiences, with the Durock switch likely providing a sharper and more resonant sound profile, while the Gateron switch offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches are well-suited for tactile typing, but the Durock switch may be preferred for those who value visual appeal and RGB lighting options. Ultimately, the decision will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that they offer different levels of force feedback. The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Gateron Mountain Top switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The actuation force for the Durock switch is unknown, but the Gateron switch has an actuation force of 40 grams. The difference in weight between the two switches is significant, with the Mountain Top switch being lighter in both actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Durock Medium Tactile switch due to its heavier bottom out force, while those looking for a lighter typing feel may prefer the Gateron Mountain Top switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Mountain Top switch the shorter of the two, offering a slightly quicker response time compared to the Medium Tactile switch. Gamers may prefer the Mountain Top switch for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key presses during intense gameplay. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to the preferences of different users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments without causing disturbance. When it comes to sound, both switches offer different characteristics, with the Durock switch leaning towards a more pronounced sound signature compared to the Gateron option.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as exhibiting characteristics such as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, providing users with a balanced and refined tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is known for being bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, offering users a smooth and responsive typing feel. While both switches offer a mild typing experience, they differ in terms of specific tactile feedback and actuation force requirements.
Overall, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a more pronounced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that provides a quiet and comfortable typing experience with features like bouncy feedback and subtle resistance, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch would be an excellent option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Medium Tactile and Gateron Mountain Top switches, consider the specific needs and preferences you have for your typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced yet balanced tactile response with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience tailored for professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness in typing, as well as the level of sound and actuation force that suits your typing style best.
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