Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch. The Mountain Top switch from Gateron is tailored for office use, offering a quiet typing experience with a light actuation force. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch provides a tactile feedback with an audible click, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sound. While the Mountain Top switch is characterized by being bouncy, easy-to-press, and subtle, the Green switch's attributes are not specified. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
The Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Green both feature nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. However, the Mountain Top stands out with its nylon top housing, which enhances the typing experience by producing a duller and rounder sound compared to the Green's polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both switches deliver a satisfying sound while typing, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference on whether you prefer a softer or a sharper sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Outemu Green's polycarbonate top housing offers a transparent design, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This allows for a visually appealing typing experience with the added bonus of customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of visual appeal, but it makes up for it with its unique sound profile that is deeper and fuller. Whether you prioritize aesthetics or sound quality, both switches have their own unique selling points that cater to different preferences.
In summary, while the bottom housings of both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Green share similar qualities due to their nylon material, the top housings offer distinct differences in sound profile. The Mountain Top provides a duller and rounder sound, while the Green delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the Green's polycarbonate top housing offers the added benefit of a transparent design for RGB lighting, making it a standout choice for those who prioritize visual aesthetics. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, aesthetics, and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Green clicky switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams. Similarly, the Mountain Top also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Green has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Mountain Top make it more suitable for those who prefer a gentler typing experience for extended periods of time, such as for work or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Green switch provide a more substantial typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance compared to the Green switch. The 3.4 mm travel distance of the Mountain Top provides a quicker response time, which is favored by gamers looking for speed and precision. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Green switch offers a deeper key press experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing 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 Green 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 is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings and user preferences. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch's sound characteristics are not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing experience. These qualities combine to provide a responsive yet gentle typing feel, ideal for long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Outemu Green clicky switch is not provided, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this regard.
Overall, both the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and environments. While the Gateron switch is designed to provide a quiet and discreet typing experience, suitable for professional settings, the Outemu switch's tactile feedback and clicky sound may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and typing environment. It is important to consider all available information and possibly try both switches to determine which one best suits your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a quiet and light typing experience for professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top switch with its 50-gram bottom out force may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier clicky switch with an 80-gram bottom out force, the Outemu Green switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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