Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Tom. The Gateron Mountain Top is a linear switch specifically designed for office environments, offering a quiet typing experience with a light actuation perfect for discreet and continuous typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch with no specific characteristics highlighted. While the Mountain Top provides a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, the Tom is a bit of a mystery in terms of its tactile feedback. 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
3.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Tom both utilize nylon as the material for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This similarity in housing material means that typing on switches from both keyboards will have a similar feel and sound when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Mountain Top uses nylon which creates a duller and rounder sound profile, while the Tom uses polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in housing materials showcases the different sound profiles that can be achieved based on the material used.
In terms of aesthetics, the Outemu Tom stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, giving it a clear and translucent appearance. This feature not only allows for compatibility with RGB lighting but also adds a modern and sleek look to the keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top's nylon top housing may not have the same visual appeal as the clear polycarbonate, but it still provides a unique sound profile with its deeper and fuller sound. Both keyboards offer a different visual and auditory experience, giving users the option to choose based on their preferences in terms of design and sound quality.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Tom will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. While both keyboards have nylon bottom housings that create a similar typing experience, the difference in top housing material results in contrasting sound profiles. Whether you prefer the duller and rounder sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both keyboards offer unique features that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, users will need to consider which qualities are more important to them when deciding between these two keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. The bottom out force of the Mountain Top is also lighter at 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Tom switch is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom switch with its heavier actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Both switches have their own advantages based on individual preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on the user's typing style and preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant to most users, as they will likely yield similar results in terms of key press feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how abrupt or deep the key press feels.
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 Tom 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 provides a neutral sound experience, making it suitable for a variety of uses without being too loud. On the other hand, details about the sound profile of the Outemu Tom tactile switch are unknown. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, with a mild and subtle sensation that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. The switch is also described as snappy, providing a responsive feel. Conversely, information about the feel of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is not provided.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is designed for a quiet and discreet typing experience, perfect for office environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. With its bouncy and easy-to-press feel, combined with a neutral sound profile, this switch is versatile and suitable for various uses. While details about the Outemu Tom tactile switch are lacking, based on the available information, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch seems to offer a lively and responsive typing experience compared to the unknown qualities of the Tom switch. Ultimately, both switches may provide similar results if the user is looking for a switch with a moderate sound profile and gentle typing feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch or the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing needs and preferences. If you value a quiet and light typing experience, particularly for office environments where discretion is key, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a tactile feedback that provides a different typing experience, the Outemu Tom tactile switch could be more suitable. It's important to consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and key feel when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what will enhance your typing experience and meet your individual requirements.
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