Gateron Mountain Top vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top and Durock Piano mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that they both offer unique features tailored to different preferences. The Mountain Top switch, with its focus on office environments, provides a quiet yet tactile typing experience perfect for professional settings. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch stands out for its smooth and creamy typing feel, making it a joy to type on. While the Mountain Top switch is lauded for its bouncy and snappy feedback, the Durock Piano switch offers a more frictionless and silky typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different types of users. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and Durock Piano both use different materials for their top and bottom housing, with the Mountain Top featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both top and bottom housing. Both nylon and POM are known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer properties that absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. While the exact details of the POM blend used in the Piano are not disclosed, it is said to offer a uniquely satisfying and deep sound experience, similar to the characteristics of nylon.
Despite the similarities in sound profile between the nylon top housing of the Gateron Mountain Top and the proprietary POM blend top housing of the Durock Piano, the differences become apparent when looking at the bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top continues to contribute to the deep and fuller sound profile of the switch, making the typing experience more rounded and dull. In contrast, the POM blend bottom housing of the Piano, though undisclosed in its specifics, is expected to offer a similarly unique and deep sound profile, potentially resulting in a typing experience that is equally satisfying as that of the Mountain Top.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and Durock Piano housing materials may come down to personal preference. While both switches utilize materials known for producing a deep and full sound profile, the Mountain Top's split use of nylon for top and bottom housing may offer a slightly different typing experience compared to the Piano's use of proprietary POM blend for both top and bottom housing. Ultimately, it will be important for users to consider how the top and bottom housing materials of each switch influence the overall sound and typing feel to determine which switch best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is clear that the Mountain Top is lighter while the Piano is heavier. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light switch overall. In contrast, the Piano switch's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, indicating a medium to heavy feel. This means that the Mountain Top would be preferred by those who enjoy typing for extended periods without strain, while the Piano would suit individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, both switches offer different experiences based on the user's preference, with the actuation and bottom out forces playing a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Piano linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Mountain Top offers a quicker response time for typists and gamers who prefer shorter travel distances. However, for those who enjoy a deeper key press, the Durock Piano switch with its longer travel distance might be the preferable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user. Both switches offer smooth linear action, so regardless of the travel distance chosen, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various typing needs. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and how the sound interacts with the overall typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as offering a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience with a mild and subtle feel. These characteristics provide a responsive and low-impact typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch boasts a frictionless and silky typing experience, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel when pressing the keys. Again, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feedback and resistance.
Overall, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Durock Piano linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mountain Top switch caters to a professional environment with a quiet and bouncy typing experience, the Piano switch stands out for its deep and creamy sound signature and frictionless typing feel. When choosing between the two, consider your personal preferences for sound profile, typing feedback, and overall typing experience, as both switches offer their own set of advantages depending on individual needs and preferences. Additionally, keep in mind that both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience, so you can expect similar levels of satisfaction regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are in a professional setting where a quiet typing experience is necessary, the Mountain Top may be the better choice due to its light actuation force and subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and pleasant typing experience with a deep, rich sound, the Durock Piano may be the preferred option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific requirements of your usage scenario. Whether you value a bouncy and easy-to-press feel or a frictionless and silky typing experience, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
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