Gateron Mountain Top vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top and Huano Sakura present two appealing options tailored for linear switch enthusiasts. The Mountain Top is designed specifically for office environments, providing a quiet yet pleasantly engaging typing experience. With its subtly responsive actuation and bouncy feel, it caters to those who value discretion without sacrificing comfort during extended work sessions. In contrast, the Huano Sakura excels in offering a feather-light touch, coupled with medium acoustics that allow for a smooth and effortless typing experience, making it perfect for prolonged usage. Each switch has its unique strengths—whether you prioritize a quieter typing environment with the Mountain Top or the exceptionally light actuation of the Sakura. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Huano Sakura switches, a clear contrast emerges between their top housings. The Mountain Top features a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that can absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This softer plastic contributes to a duller sound profile, which lends itself to a more muted and rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura utilizes POK material (polyketone), which is noted for its durability and smoothness due to its lower coefficient of friction. The distinct sound profiles produced by these materials highlight their differences: while the nylon creates a deeper sound, POK contributes to a brighter, clackier auditory experience.
However, when considering the bottom housings, we find that both the Mountain Top and Sakura switches employ nylon. This consistency in material choice results in a shared auditory signature that is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb noise. Thus, when engaging with these switches, the experience when bottoming out is likely to feel quite similar due to the shared properties of the nylon bottom housing. The impact of the bottom housing on overall sound and feel during key presses indicates that both switches provide a satisfying and robust typing experience, rooted in the common characteristics of the nylon material.
The combined effects of the different top and identical bottom housings create a unique interplay in each switch. While the Mountain Top's use of nylon on both top and bottom harmonizes with its signature sound profile, the Huano Sakura's POK top housing alters the overall acoustic effect during release, resulting in a smoother transition and a brighter top-end sound. Thus, although both switches share nylon in their bottom housing, the varied top housing materials provide distinct typing experiences. Users of these switches will appreciate how the different combinations of materials lead to a unique sound and feel, showcasing the intricate relationship between a switch's components and its overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, both options are considered light in terms of force. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura features a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch will find the Sakura switch to be more accommodating, as it requires less force to actuate compared to the Mountain Top. However, both switches still provide a comfortable typing experience that suits long hours of use. In terms of overall weight, the Sakura is the lighter option with both its actuation and bottom out forces being lower than those of the Mountain Top, making it a potentially better choice for those who favor longer typing sessions without fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, we find that they differ in their specifications. The Mountain Top features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Mountain Top has the advantage for those seeking a more responsive feel, as shorter travel distances tend to facilitate quicker actuation, which is often preferred by gamers. Conversely, the Sakura's travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced key press, providing a deeper and more substantial feel when typing. Overall, if you favor responsiveness and faster response times in gaming, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Huano Sakura offers a more traditional and deeper press for users who prefer a greater depth in their keyboard experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Mountain Top and Huano Sakura linear switches, the Mountain Top is known for its neutral sound signature. This means it maintains a moderate acoustic level that strikes a balance, making it suitable for both home and professional environments. While the Sakura offers medium acoustics, specific details on its exact sound characteristics are not provided. However, with both switches being designed with relatively quiet operations in mind, users can anticipate a sound level that aligns closely with their needs, especially in office settings where discretion is valued.
In terms of tactile feel, the Mountain Top switch excels with its bouncy and snappy characteristics. It provides a spring-like feedback that makes typing lively and enjoyable, while the gentle actuation force ensures minimal finger fatigue during long sessions. These switches are designed to be easy to press, allowing for a smooth typing experience without the heaviness often associated with other linear switches. The Sakura, on the other hand, lacks specific descriptors regarding its feel, leaving an unknown quality in this aspect. Nonetheless, both switches are likely to enhance the user's overall typing experience, especially for prolonged use given their emphasis on a light actuation force and comfort.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Huano Sakura linear switches cater to typists who appreciate a quiet typing experience coupled with a light touch. While the Mountain Top boasts a more articulated profile with its bouncy and snappy characteristics, the Sakura remains a commendable option, especially for extended typing sessions, albeit with less information on its specific feel. Ultimately, either choice promises a satisfying typing experience, with the Mountain Top providing a well-rounded combination of sound and feel, and the Sakura ensuring a lightweight touch within similar acoustic parameters.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch should primarily depend on your specific typing environment and preferences. If you are looking for a switch that excels in an office setting, the Mountain Top is an excellent choice. With its light actuation force of 50 grams, this switch offers a bouncy, snappy feel that ensures comfort during long hours of typing while maintaining a neutral sound profile. The design emphasizes discretion, making it suitable for shared spaces where noise can be a concern, allowing you to type away without drawing attention. On the other hand, if your priority is achieving the absolute lightest touch combined with a slightly more pronounced acoustic feedback, the Huano Sakura, with a lower bottom-out force of 45 grams, could be the better fit. Its feather-light touch may feel ideal for extensive typing sessions where you value reducing finger fatigue even further. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you prioritize a balanced typing experience that's mindful of sound or a lighter, more responsive feel for continuous use. Consider your typical use case—office vs. home, noise sensitivity vs. typing comfort—to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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