Gateron Mountain Top vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top and the TTC Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Mountain Top switch by Gateron is ideal for office environments, providing a quiet and light actuation perfect for discreet typing in professional settings. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch by TTC is designed for those who prioritize fast and precise typing, with a reduced travel distance for quick and effortless actuation. While the Mountain Top switch is characterized as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, neutral, snappy, and subtle, the Speed Silver switch is described as neutral, mild, and polished. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences and typing 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The Gateron Mountain Top and TTC Speed Silver both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon, making it a classic choice for switch housing material. In contrast, the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Mountain Top's nylon top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, especially desirable for switches featuring RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both the Mountain Top and Speed Silver share nylon as their bottom housing material, they diverge in their top housing composition. The Mountain Top's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its bottom housing counterpart. In contrast, the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile, emphasizing clarity and higher pitches. The contrasting qualities of the top housings underscore how different materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
The split between top and bottom housings in switches allows for a division of qualities in sound and feel. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the Mountain Top's nylon bottom housing, has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In comparison, the top housing, like the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing, influences the sound when releasing a key. This division highlights how the choice of housing material can shape the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is lighter than the TTC Speed Silver linear switch in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Mountain Top requires an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Speed Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Mountain Top is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Speed Silver provides a slightly heavier typing feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. Both switches offer a similar experience in terms of force required, so users can expect comparable results in terms of typing comfort and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent feeling in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. In terms of comparing and contrasting the travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches as they both offer the same amount of travel. This ensures that users will have a similar typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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, both the Gateron Mountain Top and TTC Speed Silver switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various typing environments. The Mountain Top offers a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, perfect for office settings, while the Speed Silvers provide a pristine sound profile for a fast and precise typing experience. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top is known for its bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle characteristics. These qualities offer a lively and responsive typing experience with minimal finger fatigue, perfect for continuous typing tasks. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is described as having a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing feel, catering to a wide range of users.
Overall, both the Gateron Mountain Top and TTC Speed Silver switches offer unique qualities suited for different preferences and typing needs. While the Mountain Top emphasizes discretion and comfort for office environments, the Speed Silvers focus on speed and precision for fast typing tasks. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a gentle typing experience, you can expect similar results from both switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, you should consider your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a switch that is tailored for office environments and provides a quiet yet tactile typing experience with a light actuation force, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and precision in your typing, along with a light-medium level of resistance and reduced travel distance for quick actuation, the TTC Speed Silver switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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