Gateron Mountain Top vs. Jerrzi Poseidon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Jerrzi Poseidon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Jerrzi Poseidon both offer a linear typing experience. The Gateron Mountain Top is designed specifically for office environments, focusing on providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. With a comfortably light actuation and a subdued sound signature, these switches are ideal for continuous typing in professional settings. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon is a linear switch with less information available about its specific features. While the Mountain Top is described as 'bouncy', 'easy-to-press', 'mild', 'neutral', 'snappy', and 'subtle', the Poseidon's characteristics are not detailed. When choosing between these two switches, the Mountain Top may be preferred for its focus on providing a comfortable and discreet typing experience in an office setting. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
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
stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and Jerrzi Poseidon both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Mountain Top features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Poseidon incorporates a POM top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POM housings in the Poseidon switches produce a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted compared to nylon.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Mountain Top and Jerrzi Poseidon, both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The nylon top and bottom housings in the Mountain Top contribute to a deeper and fuller sound experience, while the POM top and bottom housings in the Poseidon create a more muted and unique sound profile. These housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch, allowing users to choose based on their preferred sound profile.
In terms of performance, the choice between nylon and POM housing materials in the Gateron Mountain Top and Jerrzi Poseidon switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound profile and feel of each switch. Pressing down on a switch will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. Whether one prefers the deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon in the Mountain Top or the unique and muted sound of POM in the Poseidon, both housing materials offer distinct benefits for users seeking a specific typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, it is clear that they both have the same actuation force of 40 grams. However, the Mountain Top has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Poseidon is unknown. In terms of weight, the Mountain Top is lighter overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Poseidon's heavier bottom out force, although not specified, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the similar actuation force of both switches means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes, but the difference in bottom out force may influence the overall feel of the switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them very similar in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance. Both switches offer a smooth and linear typing experience, with a moderate amount of travel for comfortable typing. Whether you choose the Mountain Top or the Poseidon, you can expect a similar feel and performance in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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 wide range of users and environments. This switch strikes a balance between a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without being disruptive. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch is not available, so it is uncertain how it compares in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the Gateron Mountain Top switch, it is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. These qualities collectively create a typing experience that is responsive, comfortable, and suitable for extended use. The keys offer a spring-like feedback sensation, require minimal force to activate, and maintain a gentle typing experience with a light resistance. In contrast, information on the feel of the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch is not provided, so it is unclear how it differs from the Mountain Top in terms of tactile feedback and typing comfort.
Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is designed to excel in office environments, offering a quiet yet subtly satisfying typing experience with its light actuation and comfortable feel. While the sound and feel of the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch remain unknown, if both switches share similar characteristics to the Gateron Mountain Top, users can expect comparable results in terms of typing comfort and performance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user's typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you work in a professional setting where a quiet yet tactile switch is preferred, the Mountain Top may be the better option for you. Its light actuation force and subdued sound signature make it ideal for office use. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a unique characteristic or are not concerned about the bottom out force, the Poseidon may be worth trying out. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing needs.
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