Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Outemu Silver linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique benefits depending on your preferences. The Mountain Top switch from Gateron is ideal for office environments, providing a quiet yet tactile typing experience with a light actuation force. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch lacks a specific standout feature but still offers a reliable linear typing experience. 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
45g
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
The Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Silver both feature nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Mountain Top uses a nylon top housing, while the Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material in the Silver creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the Silver switches.
While both the Mountain Top and the Outemu Silver have nylon bottom housings, the difference lies in their top housings. The Mountain Top's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the bottom housing, due to its softer properties. On the other hand, the Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a more clear and resonant sound profile with a sharper and higher-pitched tone. This distinction in housing materials results in a noticeable difference in sound and feel when typing on the two switches. The choice between the two would depend on personal preferences for sound and aesthetics.
In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each material impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. This split in housing materials allows for a varied typing experience with distinct characteristics from each material. With the Gateron Mountain Top featuring nylon housings and the Outemu Silver incorporating a combination of nylon and polycarbonate, users can experience a range of sound profiles and tactile responses depending on the switch chosen.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a smooth and easy typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silver linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Mountain Top switch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while users who enjoy a bit more resistance may find the Outemu Silver switch more to their liking. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, with the lighter actuation force of the Mountain Top switch providing similar results to those seeking a smooth and effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mountain Top requires less distance to travel from top to bottom compared to the Silver. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and usage. Gamers looking for faster response times may opt for the Mountain Top with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Silver with its longer travel distance. Both options provide different tactile experiences, but ultimately deliver the desired result depending on the user's 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 Silver 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 preferences. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, leaving it up to personal testing and preference. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing experience. These qualities offer a responsive yet gentle typing feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions while reducing finger fatigue. As for the Outemu Silver linear switch, the feel characteristics remain undisclosed, suggesting a potential for varied user experiences.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Mountain Top switch is tailored for discreet office typing with a quiet sound profile and comfortable actuation force. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch presents unknown sound and feel characteristics, requiring personal exploration to discover its compatibility with individual typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and intended usage scenarios.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the specific needs of your typing environment and preferences. If you prioritize a quiet and lightweight typing experience, especially in an office setting, the Gateron Mountain Top switch with its light actuation force and subtle sound profile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier actuation force and are seeking a switch with specific sound and feel attributes, the Outemu Silver linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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