Gateron Mountain Top vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Mountain Top switch from Gateron is ideal for office environments, providing a quiet yet tactile typing experience that is bouncy, easy-to-press, and subtle. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch offers a heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile that is buttery, low-pitched, and invigorating. While the Mountain Top switch emphasizes discretion and comfort in professional settings, the Cream switch stands out for its unique tactile feedback and satisfying typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream uses POM for both components. Both nylon and POM are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, with nylon being softer and absorbing more sound than POM. This results in a duller and rounder sound produced by the Mountain Top compared to the Cream, which has a relatively more muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique and pleasing typing experience attributed to their respective housing materials.
However, the Mountain Top and NovelKeys Cream differ in the specific characteristics each housing material brings to the overall typing experience. The Mountain Top's nylon housing is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a deeper sound profile when compared to the Cream's POM housing. On the other hand, the Cream's POM housing creates a more unique and pleasing sound that is relatively more muted, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. These differences in sound profiles highlight the impact that housing materials can have on the overall feel and sound of a switch.
In terms of feel and sound distribution, the bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when a key is released. With the Gateron Mountain Top utilizing nylon for both top and bottom housings, the switch's overall sound profile is consistent throughout the typing experience. Similarly, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, with its POM top and bottom housing, maintains a cohesive sound profile with a focus on a unique and pleasing typing experience. Overall, both switches offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream is the heavier switch with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The Mountain Top provides a light and easy typing experience, making it ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. In both cases, the actuation force determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to fully press the key down. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the desired typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a bit shorter than the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mountain Top offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for speed and agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, catering to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream provides a low-pitched and resonant sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a clean and sharp higher-pitched profile that offers an immersive auditory experience. It is essential to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience with mild and subtle qualities, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch offers a buttery and invigorating feel with a textured sensation that gives noticeable friction when pressed, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. The Cream switch is designed to offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel for an immersive typing sensation.
To conclude, the Gateron Mountain Top and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer different sound and feel experiences. The Mountain Top switch is geared towards office environments, providing a discreet typing experience with a comfortably light actuation. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch offers a heftier typing experience with a deeper sound profile. Both switches cater to specific preferences and usage scenarios, so choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. However, both switches promise a high-quality experience that will elevate your typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you are looking for a switch that is ideal for office settings with a light and quiet typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a deep sound profile and a more immersive typing sensation, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences, so make sure to consider what matters most to you when making your choice.
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