Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top and Outemu Maple Leaf offer distinct typing experiences worth exploring. The Gateron Mountain Top is a linear switch designed specifically for office environments, emphasizing quiet yet tactile feedback ideal for continuous typing in professional settings. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf provides a tactile typing experience, albeit without any specific characterization. While the Mountain Top switch is bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, neutral, snappy, and subtle, the Maple Leaf switch remains a mystery in terms of its specific qualities. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your preference for linear or 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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
Both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Maple Leaf use nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. The similarities in housing material suggest that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
However, while both switches use nylon for their housing material, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Maple Leaf may have differences in how the housing material is utilized in the top and bottom housings. The qualities of the nylon material will be split between the two housings, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing will affect the sound produced when a key is released. These differences may result in varying typing experiences in terms of sound and tactile feedback between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Maple Leaf may come down to personal preference in terms of the typing experience each switch offers. Both switches use nylon housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, but differences in how the material is utilized in the top and bottom housings may impact the overall typing feel. Whether one prefers a more pronounced bottom-out sound or a crisper sound upon key release may influence the decision between the two switches. Ultimately, trying out both switches may be the best way to determine which housing material and overall typing experience best suits individual preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch both have different actuation and bottom out forces, with the Mountain Top being lighter and the Maple Leaf being heavier. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light switch overall. In comparison, the Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Mountain Top more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may prefer the Maple Leaf for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the keyboard market, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Gateron Mountain Top to be more satisfying, while others who prioritize a quicker, more responsive keystroke may prefer the Outemu Maple Leaf. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance and can provide similar results in terms of speed and efficiency.
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 Maple Leaf 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 provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and uses. It offers a balance between actuation force and sound level, ensuring a quiet yet engaging typing experience. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is known for its bouncy and easy-to-press characteristics, offering a responsive and comfortable typing feel. With a mild and subtle typing experience, users can enjoy a lively feedback while maintaining a quiet environment. On the contrary, information on the feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is not provided. As such, it is challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of typing sensation.
Overall, based on the available information, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch seems to provide a versatile and user-friendly typing experience suitable for professional environments. While details on the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch are scarce, it is essential to consider personal preferences and requirements when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches are likely to offer satisfactory results, albeit with potentially different sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch or the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, you should opt for the Mountain Top if you prioritize a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience, ideal for office environments where discretion is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force for a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Maple Leaf may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs, so choose the switch that best suits your typing style and environment.
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