Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Red mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer their own unique advantages. The Mountain Top switch by Gateron is perfect for office environments, providing a quiet typing experience with a light actuation force, making it ideal for continuous typing in professional settings. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch offers a smooth and consistent linear feel without any tactile bump, catering to those who prefer a straightforward typing experience. While the Mountain Top switch boasts attributes like being easy-to-press and bouncy, the Outemu Red switch is known for its simplicity. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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 Outemu Red switches both feature nylon top housings, which create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the plastic. The nylon material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switches have polycarbonate top housings, which produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate material ensures a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Outemu Red switches use nylon for this component. This choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, just like in the top housing. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb more sound when typing, resulting in a more muted and round sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures consistency in the sound and feel of both switches, despite any differences in their top housings. Overall, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches enhances the typing experience by creating a more satisfying sound profile.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Mountain Top and Outemu Red switches may differ in material, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch impact the overall typing experience differently. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has a greater effect on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches deliver unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Mountain Top or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Outemu Red, both switches offer a distinct typing experience worth considering.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch differ slightly, with the Mountain Top being the lighter option. The actuation force of the Mountain Top is 40 grams, while the Red requires 46 grams to actuate. When it comes to bottom out force, the Mountain Top needs 50 grams compared to the Red's 62 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Mountain Top would be the better choice. However, if a more substantial typing experience is preferred, the Outemu Red would be more suitable due to its heavier forces. Both switches offer a similar feel in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a consistent typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gateron Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Red. The difference may seem small, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prioritize speed and quick response times may lean towards the Gateron Mountain Top for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press and a feeling of depth may opt for the Outemu Red with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that the user is looking for in their mechanical keyboard.
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 Red 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 switch offers a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between actuation force and sound level, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Red switch is not provided, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, offering a combination of traits that make typing responsive and comfortable, with minimal finger fatigue. In contrast, information on the feel of the Outemu Red switch is not available, making it challenging to differentiate the two switches based on their tactile qualities alone.
Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch seems to prioritize a quiet typing experience suitable for professional environments, with a focus on providing a comfortable and responsive feel. If the Outemu Red linear switch offers similar characteristics in terms of sound and feel, users can expect comparable results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch choice will depend on individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch or the Outemu Red linear switch, you should opt for the Mountain Top if you are looking for a switch specifically designed for office environments. With its light actuation force and quiet typing experience, the Mountain Top is ideal for professional settings where discretion is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are open to trying a switch with less information available, the Red linear switch may be a good option for you. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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