Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches for your setup, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Black, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Mountain Top is designed with office environments in mind, offering a quiet yet lightly tactile typing experience that is ideal for professional settings. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch is known for its linear feel without any additional features. The Mountain Top switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle', while the Black switch does not have specific categorizations. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your preferences for typing experience and sound levels. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Nylon
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 Outemu Black switches both utilize nylon as their bottom housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Mountain Top features a nylon top housing, while the Outemu Black has a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material in the Outemu Black switch creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Mountain Top's softer nylon top housing.
Although both switches share the same nylon bottom housing material, the different top housing materials of the Mountain Top and the Outemu Black result in distinct sound profiles. The translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Black is especially useful for RGB lighting, providing a clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the opaque nylon top housing of the Gateron Mountain Top produces a deeper and fuller sound with a softer tone. The combination of these top and bottom housing materials in each switch contributes to their overall typing experience, offering users a choice between a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound.
In terms of construction, the bottom housing of a switch typically impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing shared by both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Black will result in a similar typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. However, the differences in top housing materials between the two switches will lead to distinct sound profiles when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Black providing a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the nylon top housing of the Gateron Mountain Top.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is clear that the Mountain Top is lighter while the Black is heavier. The actuation force of the Mountain Top is 40 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the Black's 65 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Mountain Top is 50 grams, which is lighter than the Black's 82 grams. This means that typing on the Mountain Top switch will require less force and may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Black switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. In both cases, the lighter or heavier force of the switches will result in a different typing experience, making it important to consider personal preferences and intended use when choosing between the two options.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Outemu Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Outemu Black has a longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Mountain Top. The shorter travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Outemu Black may provide a more satisfying depth to key presses. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing between the two. Whether you prefer the shorter or longer travel distance, both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the Outemu Black comes in at $3.10.
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, making it suitable for various environments and user preferences. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Black linear switch's sound profile is not available. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, offering a range of tactile experiences for users. These qualities contribute to a responsive and comfortable typing experience, reducing fatigue during extended use. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Black linear switch is not provided.
Overall, both the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch seem to offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Gateron switch is engineered for quiet and discreet typing in professional settings with its moderate sound profile and easy-to-press feel, information about the Outemu switch suggests a lack of noise and feel specifics. For users seeking a light actuation force and a versatile typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch may be a suitable option. If looking for similar results but unsure of the specifics, the Outemu Black linear switch could potentially provide a comparable experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch or the Outemu Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing needs. If you value a lighter typing experience with a quiet sound profile, then the Mountain Top switch with its 50-gram bottom out force may be the right choice for you, especially in an office setting where discretion is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with more pronounced feedback, the Outemu Black switch with its 82-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for your typing style. Consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard and how much force you are comfortable exerting while typing when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to finding the perfect balance between actuation force, sound, and feel that aligns with your preferences.
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