Gateron Mountain Top vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch with the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is evident that they offer distinct typing experiences suitable for different preferences. The Mountain Top is ideal for office environments, boasting a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a light actuation for continuous typing without causing a disturbance. On the other hand, the Quinn switch stands out for its crisp, light tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, adding character to each keystroke. While the Mountain Top is categorized as 'bouncy', 'easy-to-press', and 'mild', the Quinn switch is described as 'snappy', 'bassy', and 'creamy'. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Quinn are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches share these qualities in their top and bottom housings, ensuring a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
While both switches utilize nylon for their housing materials, the distribution of these materials within the switches may vary. If the top and bottom housings are different for a specific switch, the qualities of the housing materials will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the role each housing plays in the overall typing experience of the switches.
In essence, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Quinn offer similar results in terms of sound quality and typing experience due to their shared use of nylon as the housing material. Whether one prefers the Mountain Top or the Quinn, both switches provide a deep and full sound profile characteristic of nylon housings. The slight variations in how the housing materials are distributed within the switches may cater to different preferences in terms of key feel and sound, but ultimately, both switches deliver a consistent and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a smooth and easy keystroke. On the other hand, the Quinn features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience. The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Mountain Top make it preferable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Quinn's heavier forces cater to users who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches provide users with the option to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.4mm. Therefore, when it comes to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, both switches will provide a similar experience to the user. This means that whether you choose the Mountain Top linear switch or the Quinn tactile switch, you can expect to feel the same travel distance when pressing down on the keys. The consistency in travel distance between these two switches allows for a more uniform typing experience, regardless of which switch you opt for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 that strikes a balance between actuation force and sound, making it suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch provides a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound experience, delivering a deep and rich auditory feedback with each keystroke. The Mountain Top switch ensures a quiet yet recognizable typing sound, while the Quinn switch offers a more immersive and characterful sound profile for a tactile typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, providing a comfortable and gentle typing experience with a light touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy feel, with a refined and smooth key travel experience that enhances the overall typing sensation. Both switches offer responsive feedback, with the Mountain Top focusing on a light and effortless typing feel, and the Quinn emphasizing tactility and smoothness in key presses.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mountain Top switch provides a quiet and light typing experience suitable for professional environments, the Quinn switch delivers a rich and immersive sound profile combined with a refined and smooth key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, tactility, and typing experience. Overall, both switches offer high-quality performance and can cater to different typing preferences with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider the specific environment and preferences for your typing experience. If you are looking for a quiet and light typing experience, especially suited for professional settings, the Mountain Top linear switch with its bouncy and easy-to-press feel may be the ideal choice. However, if you enjoy a deeper, bassier sound profile and a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Quinn tactile switch with its snappy and polished feel may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a discreet and light typing feel or a more immersive and distinctive typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
