Gateron Mountain Top vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top and the TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer a smooth typing experience suitable for office settings. The Mountain Top switch by Gateron is praised for its quiet yet tactile typing experience, making it ideal for professional environments where discretion is key. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch by TTC stands out for its muted sound profile and consistent feel, perfect for shared living spaces or offices. While both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, the Mountain Top switch is characterized as bouncy and snappy, whereas the Silent Red switch is described as buttery and polished. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the TTC Silent Red, the most significant difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Mountain Top utilizes nylon for its top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the absorbing nature of the softer plastic. In contrast, the Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and more resonant sound thanks to the stiffness of the plastic. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference for sound quality.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, providing a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality ensures that regardless of the top housing material, typists can experience a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in a duller and rounder sound profile, contributing to a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a quieter switch.
It's essential to consider the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when the key is released. By understanding how each housing material influences the typing experience, enthusiasts can make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound profile and typing feel. Whether opting for the Gateron Mountain Top's nylon housing or the TTC Silent Red's polycarbonate housing, users are sure to find a switch that suits their individual needs and preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Silent Red linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force of the Mountain Top is 50 grams, while the Silent Red bottom out force is 63.5 grams, making it even heavier. The lighter actuation force of the Mountain Top is preferred by those who type or game for extended periods, as it requires less effort to press the keys. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance, making them ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. However, if you prefer a slightly more substantial feel when typing, you may lean towards the TTC Silent Red with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the amount of depth and feedback you desire while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 switch is characterized as having a neutral sound profile, which means it falls in the middle ground in terms of actuation force requirement and sound level. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as producing a muted sound, offering a quieter typing experience overall. Both switches cater to those seeking a quieter typing experience, with the Silent Red being specifically designed for minimal noise output.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers qualities such as bounciness, easy-to-press actuation, mild feedback, snappiness, and subtleness. These characteristics provide a responsive yet gentle typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as delivering a buttery typing sensation, with a mild feel and a polished finish for smooth key travel. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Silent Red offering a seamless and effortless feel.
Overall, if you are looking for a quiet switch for office or shared living spaces, both the Gateron Mountain Top and TTC Silent Red switches are excellent choices. The Mountain Top switch provides a more neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, while the Silent Red switch offers a muted sound and a buttery, polished typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a comfortable and quiet typing experience for your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are in a professional setting like an office where quiet typing is essential, the Gateron Mountain Top switch may be the better choice for its discreet sound and light actuation force. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and silent typing experience without sacrificing comfort, the TTC Silent Red switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force and buttery feel may be more suitable, especially for shared living spaces. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths, so choose based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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