Gateron Mountain Top vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Mountain Top switch from Gateron is ideal for office environments, providing a quiet typing experience with light actuation for discreet and continuous use. On the other hand, the Olive switch from Bsun offers a deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback, delivering a satisfying typing experience with a sharp bottom-out. While the Mountain Top switch is bouncy and easy-to-press, the Olive switch is accentuated and sharp. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and the Bsun Olive switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Mountain Top's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Olive's POM top housing creates a more muted and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper end. While both materials aim to enhance the sound output, the Mountain Top offers a rounder sound compared to the Olive's relatively more muted sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon for the Mountain Top and POM for the Olive. The nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile while also creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic properties. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Olive offers a unique sound profile on the deeper side that is relatively more muted compared to the Mountain Top. Both materials aim to improve the sound experience of the switches, but they offer slightly different results in terms of sound depth and tone.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and Bsun Olive switches play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing, they ultimately aim to enhance the sound output and typing feel. Whether it's the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top creating a deeper and fuller sound or the POM top housing of the Olive producing a more muted and unique sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences for typing enthusiasts. Ultimately, while the materials used may differ, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile 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, while the Olive is the heavier option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Mountain Top provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Olive offers a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Despite the difference in weight, both switches provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience, ensuring similar results in terms of performance and overall feel. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier key press, both the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer quality options for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance. However, compared to other switches with longer or shorter travel distances, such as 2.5 mm or 4.0 mm, the Mountain Top and Olive fall right in the middle. This makes them a suitable choice for individuals who prefer a moderate amount of key travel when typing or gaming. Overall, both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with their identical travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 that is suitable for most environments, including office settings. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch provides a resonant and deep sound that is distinctive and satisfying during use. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and the specific environment in which they will be used, as sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When comparing the feel of the two switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. These characteristics contribute to a light and effortless typing experience that enhances overall comfort and reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Bsun Olive tactile switch offers an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility and a crisp tactile bump with each keypress. The decision between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a softer and more subtle typing experience or a more pronounced and tactile typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mountain Top switch provides a quiet and gentle typing experience, ideal for office environments, while the Olive switch offers a deep and satisfying sound along with pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, as well as the specific requirements of the user's environment. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs within the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you are looking for a switch that provides a quiet typing experience ideal for office settings, with a light actuation force and bouncy feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a resonant sound, pronounced tactile feedback, and a medium-heavy actuation force that offers an invigorating and sharp typing experience, the Bsun Olive tactile switch would be your best choice. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and intended usage when deciding between these two switches to find the one that suits your typing style and environment best. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing needs.
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