Gateron Mountain Top vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the KTT Pine linear switch, it's apparent that both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preferences. The Gateron Mountain Top is tailored for office environments, emphasizing a quiet and light actuation for discreet typing. In contrast, the KTT Pine boasts a medium-heavy feel with buttery smooth key travel, ideal for those seeking a more effortless typing experience. While the Mountain Top switch focuses on subtlety and professionalism, the Pine switch prioritizes smoothness and comfort. 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
58g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top and the KTT Pine have contrasting housing materials that significantly affect the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Mountain Top's nylon housing provides a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Pine's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. This stark difference in material highlights how the housing can impact the overall typing experience for users.
Additionally, the aesthetic differences between the nylon and polycarbonate housing of the Mountain Top and Pine switches play a role in their popularity. The clear polycarbonate housing of the Pine switch allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing choice for users looking to customize their setup. In contrast, the opaque nature of the nylon housing on the Mountain Top switch gives it a more classic and understated look. This shows how housing material not only affects the sound and feel of the switch but also contributes to its overall design and customization options.
Despite their differences, both the Gateron Mountain Top and the KTT Pine switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique housing materials. Whether it be the deeper and fuller sound of the Mountain Top's nylon housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Pine's polycarbonate housing, users can expect a distinct typing feel based on their material choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two housing materials will depend on personal preference for sound profile, feel, and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Pine linear switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Mountain Top requires 50 grams of force while the Pine needs 58 grams, making the Pine switch heavier in this aspect. This means that the Mountain Top switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gateron Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance compared to the KTT Pine. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Pine may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the desired feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 linear switch provides a neutral and moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with the Mountain Top being more versatile, and the Pine offering a more distinct and bass-heavy auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch delivers a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, with a mild and subtle resistance that enhances typing comfort. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. The Mountain Top switch provides a more lively and responsive feel, while the Pine switch focuses on a seamless and effortless typing experience. The decision between the two will ultimately depend on individual typing preferences and desired tactile feedback.
Considering all available information, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is ideal for those seeking a quiet and versatile typing experience suitable for professional settings. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is tailored for users looking for a buttery-smooth and distinctive typing feel, with a focus on smooth key travel. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, but both are high-quality options that will deliver satisfactory results for keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider the environment you will be using the keyboard in and your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you value a quiet typing experience with light actuation and a subtle feel, the Mountain Top switch may be the ideal choice for office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a buttery smooth feel and a rich, bassy sound profile, the KTT Pine switch could offer a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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