Gateron Mountain Top vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Jwick Splash Brothers mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Gateron Mountain Top is designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a light actuation. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches, inspired by the dynamic duo Steph and Klay, feature a shorter activation and long pole stem for a unique typing feel with a creamy sound signature. While the Mountain Top switch focuses on discretion and professionalism, the Splash Brothers switch emphasizes speed and a polished typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Jwick Splash Brothers, one can immediately notice the difference in sound profiles produced by the nylon and polycarbonate materials used. The nylon top housing of the Mountain Top offers a deeper and fuller sound, creating a duller and rounder tone due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in sound characteristics showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials of the two switches, interestingly, both the Mountain Top and the Splash Brothers feature nylon bottom housings. This means that despite the difference in their top housing materials, both switches share the same quality of eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that while the top housing may play a more significant role in determining the overall sound profile, the bottom housing also contributes a considerable impact, particularly on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Jwick Splash Brothers highlight how the choice of nylon or polycarbonate can shape the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While the Mountain Top's nylon housing offers a more muted and rounded sound, the Splash Brothers with its polycarbonate housing produces a clearer and crisper tone. Understanding how these materials influence the typing experience can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound profiles, as well as aesthetic considerations such as the compatibility of polycarbonate with RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is clear that both switches are on the lighter side in terms of force required. The Gateron Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Jwick Splash Brothers has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Both switches are relatively light, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the Gateron Mountain Top is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers. For those who value a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, either of these switches would provide similar results. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference for the specific feel of the actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Mountain Top offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Splash Brothers, making it potentially more suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers provides a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, but the slight difference in travel distance may influence the overall feel and responsiveness of the switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Jwick Splash Brothers switches fall under the category of neutral switches, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various settings. While the Mountain Top switches aim for a discreet and quiet typing experience, the Splash Brothers switches provide a creamy sound signature, both catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, emphasizing a light and lively typing experience with gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are characterized as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished, offering a gentle and responsive typing feel with a smooth and refined finish. Despite some differences in descriptors, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with their unique qualities, ultimately satisfying the user's preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer distinct sound profiles and typing feels suitable for different preferences and environments. While the Mountain Top switches prioritize a quiet and light actuation for professional settings, the Splash Brothers switches provide a dynamic and responsive typing experience. Depending on personal preference and typing habits, users can choose between these switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience, knowing that they will achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, consider the specific environment and typing experience you are looking for. If you prioritize a quiet and discreet typing experience suitable for professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top with its light actuation force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a responsive and dynamic typing feel with a creamy sound signature, the Jwick Splash Brothers with its shorter activation and long pole stem may be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference and the functionality you require from your mechanical keyboard switch.
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