Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, two distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts emerge. The Mountain Top switch from Gateron is tailored for office environments, offering a quiet yet noticeable typing experience with a light actuation force, ideal for professional settings that require discreet and uninterrupted typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch provides a more tactile and clicky typing experience without any specific categorization. While the Mountain Top switch is praised for its bouncy and easy-to-press nature, the Milk Blue switch offers a more pronounced 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Milk Blue both feature nylon bottom housings, which offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Outemu Milk Blue uses a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Milk Blue creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the duller sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top.
In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Milk Blue is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. This allows for a visually appealing experience when using the switch with RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of visual appeal with RGB lighting as the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches still offer a unique tactile experience when typing, with the nylon bottom housings providing a deep and full sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience for users.
While both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a similar sound profile, the key difference lies in their top housings. The Gateron Mountain Top's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Milk Blue. When typing on these switches, users will feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is clear that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Outemu Milk Blue has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Gateron Mountain Top requires 50 grams to bottom out, whereas the Outemu Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue would be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel and enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, we see that the Mountain Top has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Milk Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Mountain Top's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Milk Blue's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of response time and key depth. Both switches offer different experiences, but both can provide satisfactory results depending on the individual's needs and preferences.
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 Milk Blue 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, making it suitable for a variety of settings and users. It provides a moderate actuation force requirement, resulting in a comfortable typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's sound characteristics are unknown, 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 and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. These qualities contribute to a typing experience that is responsive, comfortable, and suitable for various preferences. Without information on the feel of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is challenging to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, based on the characteristics of the Gateron switch, users can expect a typing experience that is engaging and user-friendly.
Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is designed for discreet typing in professional environments, offering a quiet yet responsive experience with a light actuation force. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch are not fully known, it is likely that users seeking a switch with similar qualities to the Gateron Mountain Top may find a comparable typing experience. Consider your specific preferences and requirements when choosing between these two switches to ensure that you select the one that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, consider the type of environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are working in a professional setting where quiet typing is essential, the Mountain Top switch would be a suitable choice with its light actuation force and subdued sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and clicky typing experience without concerns for noise levels, the Milk Blue switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your work or gaming setup.
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