Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, both keyboards offer unique advantages depending on the user's preferences. The Mountain Top switch, with its quiet yet tactile typing experience, is ideal for office environments where discretion is key. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch provides a different tactile feedback that may be preferred by those looking for a more pronounced typing experience. While the Mountain Top switch is bouncy, easy-to-press, and subtle, the Cream Yellow switch offers a different feel altogether. 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Cream Yellow, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon in both switches contributes to a similar typing experience, with a focus on sound quality and a softer feel during typing.
However, while both switches share the same nylon material for their housing, the specific design and construction of the housings may differ slightly between the Mountain Top and the Cream Yellow. The placement of the nylon in the top and bottom housings can impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing can influence the sound when a key is released. These subtle differences in housing design can lead to variations in sound and feel between the two switches, despite their shared use of nylon material.
Ultimately, both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Cream Yellow offer a similar typing experience due to their use of nylon housing material. The deeper and fuller sound profile created by the nylon contributes to a pleasant typing sound, while the softer feel of the material enhances the overall typing experience. While there may be slight differences in the way the nylon is utilized in the top and bottom housings of each switch, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality and comfort.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Cream Yellow's 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Mountain Top also requires less force at 50 grams, while the Cream Yellow needs 60 grams. This means that the Mountain Top switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Cream Yellow. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Mountain Top to be more suitable, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the slightly heavier Cream Yellow switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who prefer a more responsive keystroke, the Cream Yellow may be the better option. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, the Mountain Top with its longer travel distance may be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Cream Yellow 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
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments, including office settings where quiet typing is preferred. With a moderate actuation force requirement, these switches provide a comfortable typing experience for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is characterized by its bouncy and easy-to-press nature, offering a lively and responsive typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. The mild and subtle characteristics of these switches make them suitable for shared workspaces where a quiet and comfortable typing feel is desired. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is unknown, so it is challenging to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is ideal for those seeking a quiet and gentle typing experience in office environments, with its bouncy and easy-to-press nature offering a responsive and comfortable feel. The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's qualities in sound and feel are unknown, but based on the information provided, it is evident that both switches cater to different preferences and requirements. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience for office use, the Mountain Top with its light actuation force and subdued sound signature would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and a tactile feedback for a more engaging typing experience, the Cream Yellow switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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