Gateron Mountain Top vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Gateron Mountain Top and the Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer unique features and advantages. The Gateron Mountain Top is designed specifically for office environments, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a comfortably light actuation. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White stands out with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, offering a distinctive typing feel with a remarkably smooth actuation. While the Mountain Top switch is lauded for its bouncy and easy-to-press nature, the Neo White switch is known for its smooth and satisfying keystrokes. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and the Haimu Neo White both feature nylon top housing materials that create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Neo White utilizes polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material is stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the clear housing of the Neo White allows for RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboard.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Mountain Top and Neo White switches feature nylon bottom housings. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effects seen with the nylon top housings. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. By utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings, these switches are able to maintain consistency in sound profile throughout the typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Haimu Neo White comes down to personal preference in sound and aesthetic qualities. While both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their nylon bottom housings, the difference in top housings sets them apart. If you prefer a sharper, crisper sound with the option of RGB lighting, the Neo White with its polycarbonate top housing may be the better choice. Alternatively, if you enjoy a duller and rounder sound profile, the Mountain Top with its nylon top housing would be a suitable option. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that is sure to enhance your keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, we can see some differences. The Mountain Top has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Neo White has a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, with an unknown actuation force. This means that the Mountain Top is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Neo White. The lighter actuation force of the Mountain Top may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Neo White may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, we can see that the Mountain Top has a 3.4mm travel distance while the Neo White has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. However, the small difference in travel distance between the two may not be very noticeable to the average user. Ultimately, if you prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the Neo White may be the better option for you, while the Mountain Top may be preferable if you prefer a slightly shallower keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70.
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, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Haimu Neo White switches fall under the category of neutral switches, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various settings. The typing experience with either switch will not be overly loud, making them ideal for shared spaces or office environments where noise levels need to be minimized. Keep in mind that the overall sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is characterized by its bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle qualities. These attributes provide a typing experience that is lively, responsive, gentle on the fingers, and comfortable for extended use. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, striking a balance between different characteristics to provide a safe and middle-ground feel.
Considering all the available information, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Haimu Neo White switches offer users a pleasant typing experience suitable for various settings. While the Mountain Top switch caters to office environments with its quiet operation and light actuation, the Neo White switch stands out with its medium weight and smooth actuation. Ultimately, whether you choose the Mountain Top or Neo White switch, you can expect a similar result in terms of sound and a comfortable typing feel tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you require a quiet typing experience for professional settings, the Mountain Top with its light actuation force may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a smooth actuation for a distinct typing feel, the Neo White could be the ideal option. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, but the Mountain Top provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, while the Neo White offers a mild and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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