Gateron Mountain Top vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, we can see distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The Mountain Top switches from Gateron prioritize a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, making them ideal for office environments where discretion is key. With a comfortably light actuation and a subdued sound signature, these switches excel in providing continuous and unobtrusive typing. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches from Everglide offer a feather-light 35g actuation force, perfect for delicate typists seeking a smooth and effortless typing experience. Known for their playful poppy sound and frictionless operation, the Sakura Pink switches add a touch of fun to keyboarding sessions. Each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles 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
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Everglide Sakura Pink, it is clear that the Mountain Top utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Sakura Pink uses polycarbonate for both. The use of nylon in the Mountain Top results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate used in the Sakura Pink produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer composition, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound.
While both the Mountain Top and the Sakura Pink have different housing materials for the top and bottom, they share similar characteristics in terms of sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink both contribute to the overall sound profile when a key is pressed, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top and the polycarbonate top housing of the Sakura Pink influence the sound when a key is released, highlighting the importance of housing material in creating a unique typing experience.
Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in switches comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. The nylon housing of the Mountain Top provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Sakura Pink produces a sharper and crisper sound. Whether one prefers a duller and rounder sound or a clearer and more resonant sound, both the Mountain Top and Sakura Pink offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is clear that both switches are relatively light in terms of force required. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura Pink has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches offer a light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions. However, the Sakura Pink is slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Mountain Top. This lighter weight may appeal to those who prefer a softer typing feel, while the slightly heavier Mountain Top may offer a bit more resistance for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sakura Pink has a longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. The Mountain Top's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Sakura Pink's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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, suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various environments. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch produces a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. When it comes to feel, the Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing experience, offering gentle resistance and a light actuation force for enhanced comfort during typing sessions. In contrast, the Sakura Pink switch offers a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless feel, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation with minimal resistance.
Overall, if one enjoys a more neutral sound with a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if a muted sound and a buttery, easy-to-press, frictionless feel are preferred for a smoother typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch would be the go-to option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch or the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it all comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize a switch engineered for discreet typing in professional environments with a moderate sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, then the Gateron Mountain Top may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light switch with a delightfully poppy sound, a smooth, frictionless feel, and a buttery, creamy sensation when typing, then the Everglide Sakura Pink switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a switch tailored for office settings or a switch designed for a playful, enjoyable typing experience.
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