Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is important to note their distinct characteristics and intended usage. The Gateron Mountain Top is designed for office environments, providing a quiet yet responsive typing experience ideal for professional settings. With a subtle sound signature and light actuation, it caters to those who require continuous, unobtrusive typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus switch does not have any specific known features or intended usage mentioned. While the Gateron Mountain Top offers a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, the Outemu Lotus remains somewhat of a mystery in terms of its tactile feedback. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Lotus both utilize nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is preferred by many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
However, despite both switches using the same material for their housing, they may still have subtle differences in sound and feel due to other factors such as the design of the switch itself or additional features. The qualities of the nylon housing will be distributed differently between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when a key is released. These nuances can result in slightly varied typing experiences between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Lotus, despite their shared housing material.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Lotus offer a similar typing experience due to their use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. The deep and full sound profile provided by nylon's sound-absorbing properties will be present in both switches, creating a satisfying typing experience for users. While there may be subtle differences in sound and feel between the two switches, these variances are likely to be minimal and may not significantly impact the overall typing experience for most users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is evident that both switches are relatively light. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lotus has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that both switches offer a light typing experience overall. The slight difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter touch with the Lotus compared to the Mountain Top. For those who enjoy a lighter typing feel, both of these switches would be suitable options. However, for those who prefer a bit more resistance and a more substantial typing experience, they may want to consider other switches with heavier actuation forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Mountain Top has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lotus. The 0.1 mm may seem insignificant, but it can make a difference in how the switch feels when typing or gaming. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times. Gamers may lean towards the Lotus for its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes might opt for the Mountain Top. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of performance and feel.
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 Lotus 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 Lotus linear switch, the Mountain Top switch is known for providing a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments, including office settings. It offers a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Lotus switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the switch's sound can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as having a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle feel. These qualities contribute to a typing experience that is responsive, low-impact, and comfortable, ultimately enhancing the overall typing experience for users. Conversely, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is not available, making it challenging to evaluate how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and typing comfort.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a quiet and moderately tactile typing experience that is well-suited for office environments, while providing a mix of bouncy, easy-to-press, and snappy feel characteristics. On the other hand, limited information is available about the Outemu Lotus linear switch, making it difficult to directly compare its sound and feel qualities to the Mountain Top switch. For those seeking a similar typing experience to the Mountain Top switch, opting for the Lotus switch may yield comparable results, although further research may be needed to determine its exact attributes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, consider the specific environment and typing needs you have. If you are looking for a switch that is quiet and ideal for office settings, with a light actuation force and a subdued sound signature, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a certain feel or sound characteristic that the Lotus switch offers, make your decision based on those preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and work environment.
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