Gateron Mountain Top vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preferences and needs. The Mountain Top switch is designed for office environments, offering a quiet and subtle typing experience with a light actuation force, perfect for professional settings. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch boasts lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound and unmatched smoothness. While the Mountain Top switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle', the Smoothie Silver switch does not have specific categories listed. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and intended use. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and Gateron Smoothie Silver both feature unique and distinct housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. While the Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, the Smoothie Silver opts for a POM top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound profile. On the other hand, POM creates a more muted and deeper sound, offering a different auditory experience for users.
In terms of sound production, the Mountain Top's nylon housing material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, impacting both the key press and release. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver's POM housing material produces a sound that is pleasing and unique, leaning towards a more muted and deeper tone. Despite the differences in material, both housing types create distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the difference in housing materials between the Gateron Mountain Top and Gateron Smoothie Silver influences the overall typing experience for users. The split between bottom and top housing materials means that each component plays a role in the sound produced when typing on the switch. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound upon key release. Regardless of the specifics, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to a variety of preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Gateron Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams, making the Mountain Top slightly easier to trigger. Additionally, the Mountain Top has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unknown. This means that the Mountain Top requires a bit less force to fully press down compared to the Smoothie Silver. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Mountain Top may be the better choice. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, the Smoothie Silver may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4mm, making both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the user will feel the same depth of travel. In this case, both switches provide the same level of keypress feedback and actuation depth, resulting in similar typing experiences for users who prefer linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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, making it suitable for a wide range of environments and users. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, providing a unique acoustic feedback that some users may find enjoyable. Both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on personal preference and setup, with the sound also being influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is characterized by its bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle qualities. These attributes offer a typing experience that is responsive, comfortable, and gentle on the fingers, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is not specified, so it is important to consider user reviews and personal preferences when making a decision.
Overall, both the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have their unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Mountain Top switch is designed for discreet and professional typing environments with its quiet sound and easy actuation, the Smoothie Silver switch offers lightning-fast actuation and a thocky sound for a different typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you require a quiet and discreet typing experience for professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top with its light actuation force may be the best choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and a thocky sound with a feather-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver could be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences and needs in terms of sound, feel, and typing environment.
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