Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it is clear that each offers unique features to cater to different preferences. The Mountain Top is designed for office environments, prioritizing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a comfortably light actuation. On the other hand, the Ocean switch doesn't have a specific focus but offers a different typing feel. The Mountain Top is described as 'bouncy', 'easy-to-press', 'mild', 'neutral', 'snappy', and 'subtle', while the Ocean doesn't have any specific descriptors. Depending on your preferences and needs, you may lean towards the Mountain Top for its office-friendly design or the Ocean for its unique typing feel. 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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Ocean, the main difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Mountain Top utilizes nylon for its top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Ocean employs polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their unique characteristics, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately depends on the sound profile preference of the user.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Mountain Top and the Ocean use nylon, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness and sound absorption properties play a significant role in creating a duller and rounder sound, contributing to a more satisfying typing experience for users of both switches. The consistency in the bottom housing material between the two switches ensures that typing on either the Mountain Top or the Ocean will provide a similar sound profile and tactile feedback.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Ocean allows for a unique typing experience based on the specific characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate. While the Mountain Top offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon top housing, the Ocean provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Mountain Top and the Ocean will come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Mountain Top switch makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Ocean switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Whether you prefer a lighter or heavier actuation force, it is essential to consider your typing preferences when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter of the two options. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the longer travel distance of the Ocean may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the feel of the keypress. Overall, the Mountain Top and Ocean offer different travel distances that cater to varying preferences among keyboard users.
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 Ocean 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, Gateron's Mountain Top linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is not available. It is essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience with a mild and subtle feel. This switch's design aims to enhance typing comfort and reduce fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, details about the feel of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have not been provided.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is tailored for discreet typing in professional settings, offering a balanced mix of quiet sound and comfortable actuation. While the specifics of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch remain unknown, based on the information provided, it is clear that both switches prioritize user comfort and usability. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and intended usage.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, your choice should primarily depend on your typing environment and personal preference. If you are looking for a switch designed for professional settings that prioritizes a quiet and light typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique tactile feedback and are unconcerned about bottom out force, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, consider your typing needs, preferences, and environment to make an informed decision between these two distinct mechanical keyboard switches.
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