Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer unique typing experiences. The Mountain Top, a linear switch, is ideal for office environments with its quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. It provides a light actuation and a subdued sound signature, perfect for continuous typing in professional settings. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, offers a different tactile feedback and audible click with each press, providing a satisfying typing experience. While the Mountain Top is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle', the Spring Breeze does not have any specific categories listed. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
Both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Spring Breeze utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material, resulting in a similar typing experience for users. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made with this material. The absorption of sound by nylon also contributes to a duller and rounder sound, creating a more satisfying typing experience overall.
Despite both switches using nylon for their housing material, they may still differ in terms of sound and feel due to other design factors. For example, the thickness and shape of the housing can also influence the sound and feel of the switch when pressed. Additionally, the design of the stem and the materials used for it can also play a role in the overall typing experience. These subtle differences can result in unique typing experiences between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches share the same nylon housing material for both the top and bottom parts, there may be subtle variations in their overall typing experience due to other design elements. Both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the characteristics of nylon, but differences in stem design and housing thickness may result in slight variations in typing feel. Ultimately, users may prefer one switch over the other based on their individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 40 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mountain Top is lighter with a requirement of 50 grams, while the Spring Breeze is slightly heavier at 55 grams. This means that the Mountain Top switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Spring Breeze switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference in travel distance between the two switches can significantly impact the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top switch may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze switch may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of 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 Spring Breeze 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 wide range of users and environments. This switch strikes a balance between a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it versatile for both beginners and advanced users, whether they are typing at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the overall 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 extended use. The Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have available information on its feel characteristics. Users looking for a switch that offers a lively and responsive typing experience may find the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to be a suitable option based on the provided descriptions.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is tailored for office environments, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a comfortably light actuation. Its design emphasizes discreet and continuous typing, making it suitable for professional settings. While the sound and feel characteristics of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch are unknown, users seeking a versatile and responsive switch may find the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to be a compatible option. Additionally, it is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used when assessing the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, you should consider your typing environment and preferred typing experience. If you work in an office setting or need a switch that offers discretion with a light actuation force, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and intended use.
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