Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch. The Gateron Mountain Top is tailored for office environments, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience perfect for professional settings. With a comfortably light actuation, this switch offers a balance between subdued sound and smooth typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have a specific focus but offers a distinct clicky sound with each key press. It is known for its tactile feedback and audible click, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Gold, we can see that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. However, the Mountain Top features a nylon top housing, emphasizing a duller and rounder sound, while the Gold employs a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in top housing materials showcases how different plastics can impact the overall acoustics of the switch, appealing to different preferences in sound characteristics.
While both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, their top housing materials differentiate their sound profiles significantly. The Mountain Top's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Gold's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This distinction in sound quality highlights how the choice of housing material can influence the overall typing experience, catering to users who prefer a specific sound profile. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the switch's top housing plays a crucial role in shaping the typing sound and feel, showcasing the importance of material selection in switch design.
In terms of aesthetics, the difference in top housing materials between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Gold is also evident. While the Mountain Top's nylon top housing may not be as visually striking as the Gold's clear polycarbonate top housing, it offers a unique sound profile that appeals to those who prefer a duller and rounder typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold's polycarbonate top housing not only provides a sharper sound but also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually dynamic element to the switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials depends on personal preferences in sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to the variance in force required to actuate and bottom out. Those who prefer a light and smooth typing experience may lean towards the Mountain Top switch, while those who enjoy a more tactile and substantial feel may opt for the Gold switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a shorter travel distance. The shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm on the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch may appeal more to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of 4 mm on the Outemu Gold clicky switch may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer deeper key presses. Both switches offer different travel distances to cater to varying preferences, with the shorter option providing quicker responses and the longer option offering a more substantial keypress 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 Gold 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 falls in the middle ground, making it suitable for various environments and user preferences. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience that is both responsive and comfortable, catering to individuals looking for a light and lively feel while typing. The Outemu Gold switch's feel is not specified. Both switches offer qualities that appeal to users seeking a gentle and approachable typing experience, suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue.
Overall, while the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch may differ, both switches are designed to provide a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience. If you choose either of these switches, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and comfort, depending on your personal preferences and typing requirements. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to individual preference for sound, feel, and the intended usage environment.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are looking for a switch that is ideal for office settings and provides a quiet yet satisfying typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top may be the better option with its light actuation force and subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium actuation force and a more pronounced clicky sound, the Outemu Gold clicky switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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