Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, we see two distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Mountain Top switch, designed for office environments, offers a quiet typing experience with a light actuation, perfect for professional settings that require discrete typing. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch provides a tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced feel while typing. Both switches have their unique advantages, with the Mountain Top being 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle', while the Crystal Brown switch does not have any specific categorizations. 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
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 main difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Crystal Brown lies in the material used for the top housing. The Mountain Top features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Crystal Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference can greatly affect the overall typing experience and the sound produced by the switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material for both switches is identical, as they both use nylon. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound. Despite the differences in the top housing material, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures some level of consistency in sound and feel between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of a mechanical switch. While the Mountain Top's nylon housing creates a softer and deeper sound, the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. It is important to consider how each housing material influences the typing experience, as their characteristics can enhance or alter the overall feel of the keyboard. To achieve similar results in terms of sound profile, switches with matching housing materials, such as both using nylon or both using polycarbonate, would be ideal.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Mountain Top requires 50 grams, while the Crystal Brown needs 55 grams. This makes the Mountain Top switch overall lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Crystal Brown switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience with less force required, the Mountain Top may be the better option. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push may lean towards the Crystal Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is 3.4 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is 4 mm. This makes the Mountain Top the shorter of the two switches, with a slightly shallower travel distance compared to the Crystal Brown. While both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crystal Brown being more on the standard side, the difference of 0.6 mm may be noticeable to some users. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may lean towards the Mountain Top due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Crystal Brown more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing or gaming 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 Crystal Brown 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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, the Mountain Top switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments and typing styles. In contrast, the sound profile of the Crystal Brown switch is not specified, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be affected by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. These qualities provide a responsive and low-impact typing experience ideal for professional settings. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is not specified, so it is unclear how it compares to the lively and gentle typing experience offered by the Mountain Top switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch stands out for its quiet yet responsive typing experience, making it suitable for office environments where discretion is important. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch are not provided, it is essential to consider factors such as sound and feel when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure it aligns with your preferences and typing needs. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and environments, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you require a quiet and discreet typing experience in a professional setting, the Mountain Top switch may be the better choice for you. Its light actuation force and subdued sound signature make it ideal for office use. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback and a slightly higher actuation force, the Crystal Brown switch could be more suitable for a versatile typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing environment. Consider these factors to determine which switch aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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