Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, the differences in their characteristics become apparent. The Mountain Top switch, with its quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, is designed for office environments that require discreet and continuous typing. Its light actuation and subdued sound signature make it ideal for professional settings. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple switch, known for its clicky sound, offers a more tactile and audible typing experience. While the Mountain Top switch is bouncy, easy-to-press, and subtle, the Dustproof Purple switch lacks specific categorizations. When choosing a switch for your mechanical keyboard, consider the environment in which you'll be using it and your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 Gateron Mountain Top and Outemu Dustproof Purple both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon, making them ideal for those looking for a more muffled typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing of the Mountain Top is made of nylon, while the Dustproof Purple features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Purple creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more clear and resonant typing experience.
While both switches feature nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience, the difference in their top housing materials leads to contrasting sound profiles. The Gateron Mountain Top's nylon top housing absorbs more sound than the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Dustproof Purple, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. However, the polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile, particularly beneficial for those using RGB lighting due to its translucency. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience of a switch.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound profile both when pressing down and releasing a key. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials highlights the importance of considering both aspects when choosing a switch based on sound preferences and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, we see that the Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Dustproof Purple has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Mountain Top provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their variances in actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for typing feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Dustproof Purple switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top switch. The 3.4mm travel distance of the Mountain Top switch falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it ideal for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the 4mm travel distance of the Dustproof Purple switch provides a bit more depth and tactile feedback, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between a shorter and longer travel distance depends on individual preference and the specific use case for the keyboard.
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 Purple 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a neutral typing experience with a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in an office environment. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch's sound quality is unknown, so it is difficult to compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind, though, that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is known for its bouncy and easy-to-press nature, offering a lively and comfortable typing experience. The switch's mild and subtle characteristics make it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. In contrast, information on the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch is not available, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison.
Taking all available information into account, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch presents itself as a versatile option for those seeking a quiet and responsive typing experience in professional settings. Its subdued sound profile and comfortable actuation make it suitable for various users, whether beginners or advanced typists. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch remain unknown, one can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel to the Gateron Mountain Top switch if looking for a switch that offers a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and requirements in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, you should consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard and your personal preferences. If you are working in an office setting and require a quiet typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top switch with its light actuation force and subtle sound profile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your specific needs and typing preferences to ensure a satisfying keyboard experience.
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