Gateron Mountain Top vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch. The Mountain Top switch from Gateron is designed with office environments in mind, offering a quiet yet subtly tactile typing experience ideal for professional settings. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch from KTT features a light actuation force and satisfying tactile bump, making typing effortless and enjoyable even during long typing sessions. While the Mountain Top switch emphasizes discretion and comfort, the Phalaenopsis switch focuses on providing a tactile and enjoyable 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the KTT Phalaenopsis, we see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Mountain Top features a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer and more sound-absorbent nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis incorporates a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
One key difference between the Mountain Top and the Phalaenopsis lies in their top housing materials. While the Mountain Top's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate top housing produces a clear and resonant sound. The choice between these two materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with the nylon housing offering a softer typing feel and deeper sound, and the polycarbonate housing providing a crisper and higher-pitched sound. This contrast highlights the importance of housing material in determining the acoustic characteristics of a switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on key feel and sound, it is important to recognize that the qualities of each material are distributed across the top and bottom housings of a switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, shaping the sound profile during key release. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience, enthusiasts can choose a switch that aligns with their preferred sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a relatively light actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams, making the Phalaenopsis slightly lighter in terms of actuation force. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Phalaenopsis may be the preferable choice due to its lighter actuation force. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Mountain Top. Ultimately, both switches cater to individuals seeking a light actuation force with a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a comfortable and versatile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm while the Phalaenopsis has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may be better suited for gamers looking for fast response times, while the longer travel distance of the Phalaenopsis may provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
The Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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, suitable for a variety of usage scenarios, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch provides a bassy and thocky sound that resonates with a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound characteristics, keeping in mind that the overall sound produced is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In regards to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch delivers a bouncy, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience, with a subtle and snappy response due to its design. This provides a comfortable and responsive typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the contrary, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch offers a stepped tactile feedback that feels more mild compared to hyper-tactile switches, allowing for a distinct tactile bump without being overly pronounced. The choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed for discreet and continuous typing in professional settings, offering a balanced sound signature and comfortable actuation force. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch provides effortless typing with a light actuation force and a satisfying tactile bump for each keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preferences for sound, feel, and the specific typing experience desired. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, ensuring a delightful typing experience in their respective ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch or the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a switch that is engineered for discretion and provides a quiet typing experience suitable for professional settings, the Mountain Top may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers effortless typing with minimal finger fatigue, along with a satisfying tactile bump and a deeper sound profile, the Phalaenopsis switch might be more to your liking. Each switch has its own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it is important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, and your choice should be based on what best suits your individual typing style and environment.
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