Gateron Mountain Top vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Mountain Top, a linear switch, and the Everglide Oreo, a tactile switch. The Mountain Top switches from Gateron are tailored for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a light actuation force. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switches provide a delectable tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, creating a satisfying typing experience. While the Mountain Top switch emphasizes subtle and subdued typing, the Oreo switch offers a more accentuated and delightful keystroke. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your preference for typing experience and sound profile. 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
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Everglide Oreo, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Mountain Top's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Oreo's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffer composition that leads to a clearer and more resonant tone. While both materials have their own distinct characteristics, they each contribute to the overall sound experience of the switches in their own way.
However, where the housing materials of the Mountain Top and the Oreo differ, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. The split between the two housing materials in a switch allows for a nuanced sound experience that combines the unique qualities of each material. In this case, the Mountain Top's nylon bottom housing and the Oreo's polycarbonate top housing would create a blend of deep and full tones with sharp and crisp pitches, offering a dynamic sound profile that caters to different typing preferences.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Everglide Oreo ultimately aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through their unique sound profiles. Whether it be the nylon top and bottom housing of the Mountain Top or the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Oreo, each material brings its own set of characteristics to the table. Both switches offer a combination of softer and stiffer plastics that cater to different sound preferences, allowing users to choose a switch that suits their typing style and auditory preferences. In the end, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal sound preferences and the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have fairly similar force requirements. The Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Oreo has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, with the Oreo offering a slightly more substantial feel due to its slightly higher force requirements. The Mountain Top may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, while the Oreo may be favored by those who enjoy a bit more resistance for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the differences in force requirements between the two switches are quite subtle, and users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel from both options.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is clear that the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Oreo has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Oreo may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mountain Top offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo provides a chirpy sound, adding a unique acoustic experience to your typing sessions. Both switches will give you a pleasant typing sound, with the Oreo offering a slightly more distinct auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, emphasizing a light and responsive typing experience suitable for extended use. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switches offer an accented and stepped tactile feel, combining a medium level of tactility with a two-stage sensation for a comfortable typing experience. Both switches offer a satisfying and enjoyable feel while typing, but the Oreo provides a more emphasized tactile feedback compared to the Mountain Top.
Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top and Everglide Oreo switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experiences. While the Mountain Top focuses on a quiet and comfortable typing experience suitable for office environments, the Oreo provides a more tactile and distinct feel for those who enjoy a bit more feedback while typing. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches will offer a satisfying typing experience with their own distinctive characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, consider the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a quiet typing experience in professional environments, the Mountain Top may be the ideal choice for its light actuation and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy a crisp tactile bump and a more lively typing sensation with a chirpy sound, the Oreo switch could be more satisfying. Ultimately, your preference for a subtle, quiet typing experience versus a more tactile and responsive feel will guide you towards the switch that best suits your needs and typing style.
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