Gateron Mountain Top vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top and Cherry MX Black mechanical keyboard switches, both options offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed for office environments, providing a quiet typing experience with a light actuation that is perfect for continuous typing in professional settings. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its iconic smoothness and deep sound profile, catering to those who prefer a more tactile and stiff typing experience. While the Gateron Mountain Top switch is bouncy, easy-to-press, and subtle, the Cherry MX Black switch is low-pitched and textured. 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
40g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and Cherry MX Black switches both use nylon as the material for their top and bottom housings. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to nylon's softness and sound absorption properties. The nylon material creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics, making the typing experience more satisfying for users who enjoy a tactile and audible response from their switches.
While both switches use nylon for their housings, the difference in the design and construction of the Mountain Top and Cherry MX Black switches may lead to varying typing experiences. The split qualities of the housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch can influence the overall sound and feel when typing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in how the housing materials interact with typing movements may result in subtle differences in the typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, users can expect similar results in sound profile and typing experience when using both the Gateron Mountain Top and Cherry MX Black switches due to their shared use of nylon for the top and bottom housings. The softness and sound absorption properties of nylon create a deeper and fuller sound when typing, enhancing the overall tactile feedback for users. Whether typing on the Mountain Top or Cherry MX Black, the nylon material in the housing ensures a consistent and satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there is a distinct difference in weight. The Mountain Top switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the MX Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Mountain Top switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter keystroke feel, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the MX Black switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, which may appeal to users looking for a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Black has a longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. The difference between the two switches may seem minimal, but it can have an impact on the overall typing experience. Gamers who prioritize speed and response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Cherry MX Black. Both switches offer smooth linear actuation, but the slightly shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may provide a quicker keystroke for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00.
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 Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for various settings, including office environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch provides a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the Mountain Top being more discreet and the MX Black having a deeper sound profile. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience that is gentle on the fingers and reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions. The keys have a lively feel and provide a responsive and low-impact typing experience. In comparison, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is described as having a textured feel that may provide noticeable friction when pressed, with a stiffer resistance that requires more force to actuate. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences, with the Mountain Top focusing more on comfort and ease of typing, while the MX Black emphasizes a textured typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mountain Top switch provides a more neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press typing feel, making it ideal for professional environments where discretion and comfort are key. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch offers a low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff typing feel that may appeal to users looking for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing comfort, but both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider the specific environment and preferences you have for your typing experience. Choose the Gateron Mountain Top switch if you are looking for a light and quiet switch ideal for office settings and require a bouncy, easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, opt for the Cherry MX Black switch if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and enjoy a low-pitched, textured typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a subtle and gentle typing feel with a muted sound (Mountain Top) or a stiffer, more textured typing experience with a deeper sound profile (MX Black).
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