Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it's clear that each offers unique benefits that cater to different preferences. The Mountain Top is ideal for office environments, providing a quiet typing experience with a light actuation perfect for professional settings. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a tactile typing experience with a satisfying tactility and distinctive sound profile. While the Mountain Top is bouncy and easy-to-press, the Red Panda is thocky and mild. Both switches have their strengths, but ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal typing style and preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Red Panda, we can see clear differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Mountain Top's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Therefore, depending on the desired sound outcome, users can choose between the two housing materials.
Additionally, both the Mountain Top and the Red Panda feature nylon bottom housing, which further enhances the deep and full sound profile characteristic of nylon. This consistency in housing material for the bottom of the switch ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, it's worth noting that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in sound production. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material for each part of the switch can affect the overall typing experience.
In the end, whether opting for the Gateron Mountain Top or the Outemu Red Panda, users are presented with distinct options for housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound profiles. While the Mountain Top offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon housing, the Red Panda provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate housing. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring consistency in typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference in sound characteristics, as well as aesthetic considerations for those interested in RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Mountain Top is the lighter of the two. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Red Panda. The Red Panda, on the other hand, has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the force required, with the lighter Mountain Top being more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier Red Panda provides a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Mountain Top offering a lighter touch and the Red Panda providing a slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is slightly longer at 3.4 mm compared to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While the difference is minor, those who prefer a slightly longer distance may find the Mountain Top switch more to their liking. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by many gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 is suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch produces a thocky sound that is deep and rich, providing a satisfying auditory experience. The sound produced by each switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Outemu Red Panda switches offer a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. The Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing feel, while the Red Panda switch falls under the mild category. Both switches offer a responsive typing experience with subtle differences in their tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Users can expect a comfortable and low-impact typing experience with both switches, but with slight variations in sound profile and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing environment in which they will be used.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience in a professional setting, the Mountain Top switch with its light actuation force and subtle sound profile may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Red Panda switch might be more suitable, especially if you prefer a slightly higher actuation force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific demands of your typing environment.
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