Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Blue offer distinct typing experiences. The Gateron Mountain Top is a linear switch designed for office environments, providing a quiet typing experience with a light actuation force. In contrast, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch with a more audible typing sound. While the Mountain Top switch is characterized as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, neutral, snappy, and subtle, the Blue switch does not have any specific characteristics listed. If you are looking for a switch that is discreet and ideal for professional settings, the Mountain Top may be the better choice. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Blue differ in their top housing materials, with the Mountain Top using nylon and the Blue utilizing polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Mountain Top provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic which absorbs more sound. In comparison, the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as it is a stiffer plastic material. The aesthetic difference between the two is also notable, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while nylon does not offer this feature.
On the other hand, both the Mountain Top and the Outemu Blue share the same nylon bottom housing material. This commonality means that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. So, in this aspect, both switches would provide a similar typing experience despite their differences in top housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Blue would come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The utilization of different top housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch, with nylon providing a duller and rounder sound in the Mountain Top, and polycarbonate offering a clearer and more resonant sound in the Blue. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a similar deep and full sound experience when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the Mountain Top is the lighter option. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Blue's 50 grams. Additionally, the Mountain Top also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, in contrast to the Blue's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Mountain Top offers a more lightweight typing experience overall. While both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation force, the Mountain Top stands out as the lighter option, making it ideal for users who prioritize a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Blue clicky switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial push feel for a stronger typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Blue clicky switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gateron Mountain Top offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast inputs. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch provides a more satisfying typing experience for some users with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer a shorter travel distance for speed or a longer travel distance for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top and Outemu Blue switches offer different travel distances to cater to various user preferences.
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 Blue 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
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top switch offers a more subdued and quiet typing experience suitable for office environments. The Mountain Top switch features a neutral sound profile and provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch's sound profile and feel are unknown, but it is typically known for providing a clicky feedback with a more pronounced sound. If you prefer a more subtle and quiet typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be the preferred choice. However, if you enjoy a clicky tactile feedback, the Outemu Blue switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the final decision will depend on personal preference and the specific needs and environment in which the keyboard will be used.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you are in an office setting or prefer a quiet typing experience, the Mountain Top linear switch may be the better choice with its light actuation force and subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience and noise is not a concern, the Outemu Blue clicky switch could be the one for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your usage scenario.
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