Gateron Mountain Top vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences and needs. The Mountain Top switch from Gateron is perfect for office environments, providing a quiet and discreet typing experience with a light actuation, making it ideal for professional settings. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch from Durock stands out with its captivating pastel colors, proprietary material blend that offers a distinct dry and airy typing experience, and a weightlessness that defies expectations. While the Mountain Top switch emphasizes subtlety and balance, the Sea Glass switch focuses on smoothness and a frictionless nature. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Durock Sea Glass switches both utilize nylon in their construction, providing a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon top housing of the Mountain Top offers a rounder and duller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. In comparison, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a unique sound profile that leans towards the brighter side, offering a sound that is described as pleasant and not particularly sharp.
While both switches share the use of nylon in their top housing, the bottom housing materials differ between the Mountain Top and the Sea Glass switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top contributes to the switch's deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound to create a rounder tone. Conversely, the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the bottom housing adds a unique element to the switch's sound profile, providing a pleasant and slightly brighter sound that complements the characteristics of the top housing.
When it comes to the overall performance of the switches, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Durock Sea Glass switches, both switches deliver satisfying sound profiles that enhance the typing experience for users seeking a unique and pleasant sound.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sea Glass has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Mountain Top provides a lighter and more effortless typing experience compared to the Sea Glass, which offers a more substantial and tactile feel. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Mountain Top for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier force of the Sea Glass for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may provide a quicker response time, which is often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Sea Glass may offer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings and users. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch emits a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding a touch of distinctiveness to the typing experience. The specific sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, with a mild and subtle sensation overall. This switch offers a responsive and low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass switch boasts a frictionless feel, with a mild and feathery touch that minimizes resistance during key presses. This results in a smooth and effortless typing experience, suitable for various typing preferences.
Overall, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. While the Mountain Top switch focuses on a quiet and light actuation suitable for professional settings, the Sea Glass switch stands out with its pastel colors, hollow sound signature, and weightlessness during typing. Depending on your desired sound and feel preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, you should choose the Mountain Top if you prioritize a light actuation force, a quiet typing experience, and a switch designed for office environments. On the other hand, opt for the Durock Sea Glass if you prefer a medium actuation force, a unique pastel color aesthetic, a distinct dry and airy typing experience, and a weightless feel despite the bottom-out force. Both switches offer their own advantages and characteristics, so consider your preferences and requirements before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal typing style and environment.
Mentioned in this article
