Gateron Mountain Top vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct characteristics to cater to different typing preferences and environments. The Mountain Top, designed specifically for office settings, is celebrated for its discreet performance, providing a balanced sound profile that allows for uninterrupted typing while maintaining a comfortably light actuation. Its traits, such as being bouncy and easy to press, make it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a quiet yet responsive typing experience in a professional atmosphere. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie is a medium-weight switch that combines affordability with quality, delivering a satisfying thocky sound and notable smoothness, perfect for users who appreciate a tactile experience without compromising on performance. Both switches have their compelling reasons for selection, whether you seek subtlety for the office or a more robust auditory feedback for personal use. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches utilize different materials for their housings, which significantly influences their sound characteristics and overall typing experience. The Mountain Top features a nylon top and bottom housing, crafted from a classic switch material. This nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile that is both rounder and more muted than switches made with harder plastics. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb vibrations effectively, leading to a satisfying auditory experience when typing, which many users appreciate for its warmth and depth.
In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings. POM is known for producing a unique sound profile that is also deep and muted; however, it differentiates itself from nylon by having a slightly crisper response that users may find more exciting. While POM also absorbs sound to some extent, it leans towards a different auditory sharpness compared to the warmth of nylon. The juxtaposition of these materials leads to distinct typing sensations: the POM housing in the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a pleasing sound that may evoke a different tactile feedback than that of the Mountain Top, showcasing the diversity in switch design philosophies.
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top and Sea Salt Smoothie, it becomes clear that while both provide a satisfying sound profile, they deliver unique auditory experiences influenced by their respective housing materials. The nylon in the Mountain Top offers a softer touch and a deeper resonance, whereas the POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie lends a unique clarity and distinctness to the keystroke feedback. Despite these differences, both switches are capable of creating a pleasurable typing experience, and users looking for similar results in terms of sound muting and depth might gravitate toward either option depending on their personal preferences for key feel and acoustic profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the differences in actuation force are quite notable. The Mountain Top switch features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons without causing excessive finger fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie requires a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is listed as "None grams," which remains unknown, while the Mountain Top switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, further emphasizing its lighter overall feel. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch should lean toward the Mountain Top, whereas those desiring a heavier keypress experience may find the Sea Salt Smoothie more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches, it's clear that there is a difference in their specifications. The Mountain Top has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which provides a more pronounced keypress. This difference of 0.3 mm can affect the overall typing experience, particularly for users seeking quicker response times, as the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may feel more responsive and conducive to fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie's longer travel distance could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback, as it offers a deeper keypress that some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: if you favor quick, snappy keystrokes, the Mountain Top may be preferable, whereas if you enjoy a more deliberate typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 profile that strikes a balance between a moderate actuation force and a restrained auditory signature. This makes the Mountain Top an excellent option for both office and home environments where discretion is key; it provides a typing experience that isn't overly noisy, allowing for continuous typing without causing distraction. In contrast, while the specifics of the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound profile are not well-defined, it is known for a thocky quality, which typically indicates a deeper, richer sound that can provide a satisfying auditory feedback during typing.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Mountain Top presents a range of engaging tactile feedback characteristics, including a bouncy response that enhances the overall typing experience by providing a lively rebound. It's designed for effortless activation with minimal force, making long typing sessions more comfortable and reducing fatigue. This switch also features a subtle resistance that feels gentle but provides enough feedback to ensure accuracy. On the other hand, there isn't much information on the feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie, which leaves its unique tactile experience open to speculation.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches cater to distinct user preferences and environments. While the Mountain Top is tailored for quietude and comfort in office settings with its neutral sound and engaging tactile feedback, the Sea Salt Smoothie promises a richer auditory experience with its thocky profile. The difference in their sound and feel characteristics suggests that the best choice depends on whether you prioritize discretion or auditory satisfaction in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches, consider the environments in which you will be using them and your personal typing preferences. If you often find yourself in an office setting or share your workspace with others, the Mountain Top switch is an excellent choice due to its quiet yet responsive characteristics. Its bouncy and easy-to-press feel minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions and its subtle sound profile ensures you won't disturb your colleagues. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-weight switch with pronounced tactile feedback in a more casual or personal environment where sound isn't a primary concern, the Sea Salt Smoothie can be a fantastic option. Offering a thocky sound signature and exceptional smoothness, it gives a more satisfying auditory and physical response that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choose the Mountain Top for professional settings that require discretion and comfort, and opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie if you prioritize a lively performance and a stronger acoustic presence in a personal or less formal space.
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