Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Silent Grey offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Gateron Mountain Top is a linear switch designed for office environments, boasting a quiet typing experience with a light actuation force. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch, providing a highly tactile and silent typing experience. While the Mountain Top switch is ideal for those looking for a discreet and smooth typing experience, the Silent Grey switch is perfect for individuals who enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback while keeping noise to a minimum. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Silent Grey, we see a significant difference in their top housing materials. The Mountain Top employs a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Mountain Top offers a duller and rounder sound, the Silent Grey produces a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, both the Mountain Top and the Silent Grey utilize nylon bottom housings. This material also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the softer nature of nylon that absorbs sound effectively. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing, both switches offer similar sound characteristics, providing a consistent experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Despite the difference in top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users will still enjoy a similar overall sound quality when typing on either switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly impact the typing experience. While the two switches differ in their top housing materials, the Mountain Top's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, whereas the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, with both switches incorporating nylon bottom housings, users can expect a deep and full sound profile that remains consistent across both options. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Silent Grey will come down to personal preference in sound characteristics and aesthetic preferences such as the presence of RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is clear that the Mountain Top is lighter in both aspects. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Mountain Top provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch, while the Silent Grey offers a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a heavier push. Both switches have different force requirements, catering to individuals with varying preferences on typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is clear that the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Silent Grey's 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Grey may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes for some users. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when deciding which switch to choose. Regardless of the difference in travel distance, both switches will provide reliable performance and keypress feedback for the user.
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 Silent Grey 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 various environments and users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is known for providing a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, catering to individuals with distinct preferences in sound feedback while typing.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. These qualities provide users with a lively and responsive typing experience that is comfortable and fatigue-reducing. The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, however, does not have available information on its specific tactile feel characteristics. Nonetheless, based on its classification as a silent tactile switch, users can expect a satisfying tactile feedback without the loud noise associated with many tactile switches.
Overall, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer different sound and typing experiences, users can expect reliable and high-quality performance from both options. Whether you prioritize a quiet typing environment or enjoy a bouncier typing feel, both switches cater to specific preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on an individual's personal preference for sound and tactile feedback while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should consider the specific environment and typing preferences you have. If you work in a professional setting where quiet typing is crucial, the Mountain Top switch would be a suitable choice with its light actuation and subdued sound. However, if you prefer a more tactile and satisfying typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Silent Grey switch would be more appropriate. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a quiet typing experience or a tactile one. Consider your needs and preferences to make the best decision for your keyboard setup.
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