Gateron Mountain Top vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Oil King mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find two great options with distinct characteristics. The Mountain Top switch is ideal for office environments, offering a quiet typing experience with light actuation, perfect for professional settings that require discretion. On the other hand, the Oil King switch stands out for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that is likened to a dark chocolate bar snapping. While the Mountain Top switch is bouncy and subtle, the Oil King switch is creamy and polished. Both switches have their appeal, but ultimately, the choice will depend on your specific preferences. 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
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Oil King are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In terms of sound, both switches will offer a similar typing experience due to the common nylon material used in their construction.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Mountain Top features a nylon bottom housing that contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the Oil King utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. This difference in bottom housing material gives each switch its distinct sound signature, with the Oil King offering a sharper and more distinct sound compared to the Mountain Top.
When it comes to the overall performance of the switches, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The top housing material, on the other hand, impacts the sound when a key is released. While the nylon top housing in both switches will provide a similar typing experience, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing in the Oil King will result in a different sound profile compared to the nylon bottom housing in the Mountain Top.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top is lighter in both aspects. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Mountain Top requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the Oil King. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Mountain Top would be the better choice. However, for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Oil King would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. This means that the Oil King switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top switch. The difference in travel distance may not be significant for some users, but for those who prefer a deeper key press, the Oil King switch may provide a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, users who prefer a quicker response time may find the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top switch more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50.
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 that is suitable for various settings, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy tone that gives off a rich and deep sound during key presses. While the Mountain Top switch leans towards a more subtle and subdued sound, the Oil King switch delivers a more pronounced and rich audio feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, providing a gentle resistance that is suitable for extended typing sessions. The keys have a mild and snappy feel, giving users a responsive and lively typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience that is smooth and effortless. The keys glide effortlessly under the fingers, offering a polished and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Oil King switch excels in offering a luxurious and refined feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. While the Mountain Top switch provides a neutral and subdued sound with a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, the Oil King switch delivers a low-pitched and bassy sound with a creamy and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Mountain Top or Oil King switch, you can expect a high-quality and satisfying typing experience that meets your specific requirements. Both switches offer excellent performance and characteristics that are sure to enhance your overall typing experience, giving you similar results in terms of reliability and comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that is light with a quiet typing experience ideal for office settings, you would want to choose the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a rich sound profile, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be the better option for you. Consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard and your personal preference for typing feel and sound when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs in the mechanical keyboard community.
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