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Gateron Mountain Top vs. TTC Silent Brown

An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Mountain Top is ideal for office environments, offering a quiet yet satisfying typing experience with a light actuation force. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump and a muted sound profile. Both switches have their unique characteristics and benefits, appealing to different preferences and needs. 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

63.5g

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

Partial box

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Nylon

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

22mm double-stage spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the TTC Silent Brown, we see that both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. This commonality means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using both switches. However, the Mountain Top features a nylon top housing, while the Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Mountain Top produces a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Brown creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition.

In terms of aesthetics, the Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing offers the advantage of translucency, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. This clear housing material not only enhances the visual appeal of the switch but also allows for customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the Mountain Top's nylon top housing prioritizes sound quality, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile that is favored by users who prioritize sound feedback during typing. While the Silent Brown focuses on producing a clear and resonant sound profile, the Mountain Top aims to create a more immersive typing experience with its rounder and duller sound.

When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. With the Gateron Mountain Top and the TTC Silent Brown featuring different top housing materials, users can expect distinct sound profiles and tactile responses when typing on these switches. Ultimately, the choice between the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top and the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Brown will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.

Weight

The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Mountain Top requires 50 grams, while the Silent Brown needs 63.5 grams, making it even heavier. This means that the Mountain Top switch is lighter both in terms of actuation and bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, so users can choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.

Travel distance

The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top switch may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Brown switch may provide a more satisfying feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so choosing between them depends on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, selecting a switch with the right travel distance can enhance your overall typing experience whether you prefer a shorter or longer distance.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.

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 that is suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provides a muted sound that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap combination used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, providing a lively and responsive typing experience with gentle resistance. In comparison, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is characterized as buttery, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and uniform typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches fall within the realm of being approachable and comfortable, catering to a wide range of users with their distinct tactile feedback.

Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer different yet appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mountain Top switch is known for its neutral sound profile and bouncy typing experience, the Silent Brown switch provides a muted sound and buttery keystroke feel. Depending on your preference for typing noise and tactile feedback, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience that suits your needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing environment where they will be used.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider the environment and your preferences. If you are looking for a switch that is quiet and discreet, ideal for professional settings or shared spaces, the Gateron Mountain Top switch with its light actuation and neutral sound profile may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile for a comfortable typing experience, particularly if you enjoy a buttery feel or want reduced friction, the TTC Silent Brown could be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a light and bouncy typing experience or a smoother and more tactile one.

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