Gateron Mountain Top vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Mountain Top linear switch by Gateron aims for a quiet and discreet typing experience suited for office environments, with a subtle sound signature and light actuation. On the other hand, the tactile POM T1 (Sunflower) switch from Durock provides a punchy and satisfyingly tactile typing feel, emphasizing a sharp tactility and clean clack. If you value a bouncy and easy-to-press switch, the Mountain Top may be the ideal choice, whereas if you seek maximum tactility and a resonant typing experience, the POM T1 (Sunflower) could be the switch for 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Proprietary
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), both switches use different materials for their top housing. The Mountain Top incorporates a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) features a POM top housing, offering a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite the differences, both materials contribute to enhancing the overall sound profile of the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) utilize similar materials, with nylon bottom housing for the Mountain Top and POM bottom housing for the POM T1. Both materials create a deeper and fuller sound profile, with nylon being softer and absorbing more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing materials ensures that both switches provide a consistent typing experience, with the qualities of the material influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys.
Overall, while the Gateron Mountain Top and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) have differences in their top housing material, their bottom housing materials provide a similar typing experience. The impact of each housing material on the sound profile varies, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite these distinctions, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch differ in weight. The Mountain Top has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, with an unknown actuation force. The lighter actuation force of the Mountain Top may be preferable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may not seem significant, but it can greatly impact the typing or gaming experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top switch, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the POM T1 switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) 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 offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments and users. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch provides a resonant sound profile, emphasizing a higher-pitched and clean clack sound. Depending on personal preference and the surrounding environment, users can choose between a more subdued sound with the Mountain Top or a punchier sound with the POM T1.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, offering a range of tactile feedback options for users. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is characterized as sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating, providing a strong and distinct tactile bump with each keypress. Users can choose between a more lively and responsive typing experience with the Mountain Top or a highly tactile and pronounced feedback sensation with the POM T1.
Taking all the available information into consideration, users can expect a quiet yet tactile typing experience with the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, ideal for professional settings that require discretion. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offers a punchy and immersive typing experience with a strong tactile feedback for those who prefer a more pronounced typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and the specific typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you value a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience for a professional setting, the Mountain Top may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize maximum tactility and a satisfyingly sharp feedback when typing, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a linear switch with a lighter touch or a tactile switch with a more pronounced feedback sensation. Choose wisely based on your typing style and preferences.
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