Gateron Mountain Top vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, it ultimately comes down to the type of typing experience you prefer. The Mountain Top switch from Gateron is perfect for office environments, providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience with its light actuation and subdued sound signature. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a silenced version for those who require even quieter typing, with a plush bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. While the Mountain Top switch is bouncy and easy-to-press, the Silent Ink Black switch is silky and muted. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in terms of sound profile and feel. The Mountain Top's nylon top and bottom housing create a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. This highlights how the housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of the switch.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of both switches share the characteristic of being softer plastics that absorb sound. However, the nylon housing of the Mountain Top elicits a deeper sound profile, while the INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black has a thinner and higher-pitched sound. This distinction showcases how subtle variations in housing material can result in unique typing experiences for users. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a thinner, higher-pitched sound, both switches offer distinct acoustic profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that the nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top and the INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black will contribute to the typing experience differently. Understanding how each housing material affects sound and feel can help users choose the switch that best aligns with their preferences for typing feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different sound and feel preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top is lighter in terms of both forces. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Mountain Top requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Silent Ink Black. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Mountain Top would be the better choice. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the heavier Silent Ink Black would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The Mountain Top has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Mountain Top switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance, with both options offering unique advantages depending on the user's needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 typing experience with a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various settings without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted sound, perfect for environments where minimal noise is preferred. The Silent Ink Black will offer a quieter typing experience compared to the Mountain Top, which may be more ideal for noise-sensitive situations.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing experience. These characteristics provide a lively and responsive feel while maintaining a light touch, suitable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, ensuring a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and easy key travel. Both switches provide unique tactile sensations, so the choice between them will depend on personal preference for typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is designed for discreet typing in professional environments, offering a balanced sound profile and a comfortable light actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is perfect for environments requiring quieter typing, providing a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. Both switches have their own strengths in terms of sound and feel, so choosing between them will depend on the specific preferences and requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the specific environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are looking for a switch that provides a quiet typing experience in an office setting, the Mountain Top switch with its light actuation force and subtle sound profile may be the better option for you. However, if you need an even quieter option with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky smooth typing feel, the Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable, especially for environments where noise needs to be minimized. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing needs.
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