Gateron Mountain Top vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Cherry MX Speed Silver stand out for their unique qualities. The Gateron Mountain Top switch is ideal for office environments, offering a quiet yet tactile typing experience perfect for professional settings. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is designed for maximum speed and responsiveness, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking rapid keystroke execution. While the Mountain Top switch focuses on subtlety and easy actuation, the Speed Silver switch prioritizes quick and precise inputs. 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches made with this material, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made with harder plastics.
Although both switches use nylon for their housing materials, the difference in the design of the top and bottom housings can impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing of a switch will have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the nylon top housing will have more impact on the sound produced when the key is released. This distinction in housing design can lead to a slightly different sensation when typing on each switch, providing users with options to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Gateron Mountain Top or the Cherry MX Speed Silver, the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Both switches offer a deep and full sound when typing, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. While the design of the top and bottom housings may slightly influence the overall typing experience, users can expect a consistent level of quality and performance from switches made with nylon housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch both have their own unique actuation and bottom out forces. The Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the MX Speed Silver's 30 grams, making the MX Speed Silver the lighter option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mountain Top requires 50 grams of force while the MX Speed Silver's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods, the MX Speed Silver may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is preferred for a more substantial typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top with its higher bottom out force may be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from top to bottom. This allows for consistent typing or gaming experiences with either switch. While both switches offer the same travel distance, they may differ in other aspects such as actuation force and overall feel. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gateron Mountain Top or the Cherry MX Speed Silver will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 uses without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and satisfying typing experience. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired sound level for your environment.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, offering a range of tactile sensations that cater to different typing preferences. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, which may appeal to users who enjoy a bit of friction when pressing the keys. The decision between the two would rely on whether you prioritize a smoother typing experience or prefer a more tactile feel while typing.
Overall, both the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Mountain Top switch focuses on providing a comfortable and discreet typing experience suitable for professional settings, while the Speed Silver switch is geared towards gamers seeking maximum speed and responsiveness. Both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, and choosing between the two would come down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and intended use. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Gateron or Cherry MX switch, you can expect similar results in terms of durability and performance, with the main differences lying in the specific sound and feel characteristics each switch offers.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider the specific use case and environment in which you will be typing. If you are looking for a quiet and discreet typing experience in a professional setting, the Gateron Mountain Top switch with its light actuation force and neutral sound profile may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking maximum speed and responsiveness, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch with its instantaneous triggering and thocky, low-pitched sound profile would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences and requirements for your typing or gaming experience.
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