Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, we find that both offer unique advantages depending on the user's needs. The Gateron Mountain Top is ideal for office environments, with its focus on providing a quiet yet tactile typing experience. The switches are designed to be discreet, allowing for continuous typing without disturbing others. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black switch offers a different experience with its smooth linear action. While the Dustproof Black switch may not have a specific focus like the Mountain Top, it still provides a reliable typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Dustproof Black, it is clear that they each offer distinct characteristics that impact the sound profile of the switches. The Mountain Top's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer composition, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Black is particularly useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Mountain Top's nylon top housing offers a more classic feel.
While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, the key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Mountain Top's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs sound effectively. Similarly, the Dustproof Black's nylon bottom housing also enhances the overall sound quality of the switch by creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the top housing material plays a pivotal role in determining the sound characteristics of each switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in a switch significantly impacts its sound profile and overall aesthetic. While the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Dustproof Black both feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile, their top housing materials - nylon for the Mountain Top and polycarbonate for the Dustproof Black - offer distinct sound profiles. The Mountain Top's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, whereas the Dustproof Black's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the top and bottom housing materials work in tandem to create a unique typing experience for each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Mountain Top switch, while those who like a firmer push and more tactile feedback may opt for the Dustproof Black switch. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mountain Top switch offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black switch provides a deeper and more substantial key press, suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feel. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Dustproof 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 that is neither too loud nor too quiet, making it suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch is unknown, so it's challenging to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, both switches may produce similar results depending on the other components in your setup such as the keyboard case and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is known for its bouncy and easy-to-press qualities, providing a responsive and low-impact typing experience. Additionally, it offers a mild and subtle typing feel that caters to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch is unknown, so a direct comparison is not possible in this regard. Nonetheless, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is likely to deliver a comfortable typing experience similar to the Dustproof Black switch if the latter also features similar qualities.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is ideal for office environments due to its discreet sound profile and comfortable actuation force. With its bouncy and easy-to-press feel, this switch offers a responsive and enjoyable typing experience suitable for various users. While the exact qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch are unknown, it is possible that it may provide a similar typing experience to the Gateron Mountain Top switch based on similar traits. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and specific typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, it all boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a light and discreet typing experience, ideal for office environments and professional settings, then the Gateron Mountain Top switch with its light actuation force and quiet typing sound might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience and don't mind a louder sound profile, the Outemu Dustproof Black switch with its heavier bottom out force could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch would best suit your needs.
Mentioned in this article
