Gateron Mountain Top vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch for your specific needs, the Gateron Mountain Top and KTT Semi Mute switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Mountain Top switch from Gateron is ideal for office environments, providing a quiet yet tactile typing experience with a light actuation. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch from KTT is designed for those who prioritize a noise-free typing environment, offering completely silent operation and advanced dampening technology for a smooth typing feel. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different usage scenarios. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the KTT Semi Mute, one can see distinct differences in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mountain Top features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic. While the Mountain Top's nylon housing produces a rounder sound, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate housing produces a more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
Similarly, when examining the bottom housing materials of the two switches, the patterns observed in the top housings are mirrored in the sound profiles. The Mountain Top's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound. Both switches showcase the impact of the housing material on sound production, with nylon offering a duller sound in the Mountain Top and polycarbonate providing a more vibrant sound in the Semi Mute.
Overall, while the Gateron Mountain Top and the KTT Semi Mute differ in their housing materials, the impact on sound production is visibly evident. Both nylon and polycarbonate play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of each switch, with nylon creating a softer, fuller sound and polycarbonate producing a sharper, crisper sound. Whether it's the top or bottom housing used, the material choice ultimately determines the unique sound experience each switch offers to users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Semi Mute has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This makes the Semi Mute switch slightly heavier than the Mountain Top switch. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Mountain Top switch make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Semi Mute switch provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Semi Mute linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference between the two may seem small, but in the world of mechanical keyboards, even small variances can have a significant impact on the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top switch may cater more to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Semi Mute switch could provide a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with each offering its own unique advantages.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 that strikes a balance between being audible yet discreet, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch provides a muted sound, ensuring a quieter typing experience that is ideal for noise-sensitive individuals. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Mountain Top offering a more versatile sound profile compared to the Semi Mute's emphasis on silence.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, offering a lively and responsive feel for the user. The switch also emphasizes on being mild and subtle, ensuring a comfortable and non-intrusive typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience, providing a smooth and gentle keystroke feel. Both switches focus on enhancing the typing experience through their unique tactile characteristics, catering to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer distinctive subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mountain Top switch provides a more neutral sound profile and a bouncy typing feel, the Semi Mute switch offers a muted sound and a buttery keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound levels and typing sensations. However, both switches aim to deliver a gratifying typing experience, ensuring that users can find the switch that best suits their needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider your environment and preferences. If you prioritize a quiet and discreet typing experience for professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top with its light actuation force might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and seek a smooth and silent typing experience, especially for late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute switch with its medium actuation force and advanced dampening technology could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and the type of typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
