Gateron Mountain Top vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top and the Cherry MX Red mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique advantages for different preferences. The Gateron Mountain Top is tailored for office environments, with a focus on providing a quiet typing experience that is light and discreet. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is renowned for its slightly heavier feel and deeper sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a more robust and audibly satisfying typing experience. While the Mountain Top switch is characterized by being bouncy, easy-to-press, and subtle, the MX Red switch is known for its thocky feel, low-pitched sound, and textured feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and the Cherry MX Red both feature nylon top and bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The similarities in housing materials between the two switches mean that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Despite their shared nylon housing materials, there may still be differences in the overall typing experience between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Cherry MX Red due to factors like stem design, actuation force, and overall build quality. The top and bottom housings in a switch play different roles in the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. These nuances can result in variations in typing feedback between the two switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Cherry MX Red will depend on personal preference and specific typing needs. While they both offer a similar sound profile due to their nylon housing materials, other factors like actuation force and stem design can influence the overall typing experience. Users may want to test out both switches to determine which one aligns best with their typing style and preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, we find that the Mountain Top is lighter in both aspects. The Gateron Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Cherry MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. The difference in actuation force indicates that the Mountain Top requires a lighter touch to register a keystroke compared to the MX Red. This lighter actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a gentler typing experience or who type for long periods without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, the MX Red may appeal to users seeking a slightly more substantial typing feel with its higher actuation force. Both switches offer a linear feel, but the slight variance in force may make a difference depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter touch may prefer the Gateron Mountain Top, while those looking for a slightly heavier feel may gravitate towards the Cherry MX Red.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Mountain Top. The 0.6 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing experience for users. Overall, the shorter travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Cherry MX Red may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so users can expect similar performance regardless of the travel distance difference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and typing preferences. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a deeper and more satisfying auditory experience. The choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a more subdued sound (Mountain Top) or a richer, bass-heavy tone (MX Red).
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing experience. These characteristics make typing on the Mountain Top switches effortless and comfortable, with a gentle feedback sensation and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured, implying a noticeable friction when pressed. This may appeal to users who prefer a bit of resistance and feedback in their typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is engineered for discretion and continuous typing in professional settings, providing a quiet yet light actuation experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red linear switch offers a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, catering to those who appreciate a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, while the subjective qualities of the two switches differ, both switches excel in delivering responsive and satisfying typing experiences, ensuring that users can achieve similar results in their typing endeavors.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider your environment and preferences. If you're looking for a quiet and light typing experience in a professional setting, the Gateron Mountain Top switch may be the ideal choice with its bouncy and easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier and deeper sound profile for a more robust typing experience, the Cherry MX Red switch with its thocky and low-pitched characteristics may be more suitable. Ultimately, choose the switch that best aligns with your typing needs and environment to enhance your overall typing experience.
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