Gateron Mountain Top vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, especially in a professional setting. The Gateron Mountain Top switch stands out for its thoughtful design, tailored specifically for office environments where discretion is key. Known for its bouncy feel and light actuation, it offers a mild yet snappy feedback that strikes a comfortable balance between performance and stealthiness. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch excels in delivering a super smooth typing experience, enhanced by advanced molds that contribute to its balanced sound profile—neither intrusive nor overly resonant. This makes it an appealing choice for users who prefer a satisfying tactile sensation combined with a moderate audio presence. Both switches have their merits, with the Mountain Top catering to those prioritizing a quieter typing experience in collaborative spaces, while the Strawberry Latte is ideal for users seeking a smooth, enjoyable feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Mountain Top Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$6.00 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches, notable contrasts emerge in the specifications of their top housings. The Mountain Top employs a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, due to its softer nature which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a more subdued auditory experience when the switch is engaged and released. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK top housing, which is characterized by its durability and lower friction coefficient. While POK provides a smoother typing experience, it tends to produce a more clacky sound as it does not absorb sound in the same manner as nylon. Consequently, each housing lends a distinct auditory characteristic to the typing experience, highlighting the trade-off between sound profile and typing smoothness.

The bottom housings of both switches, however, share a familiar characteristic, as both utilize nylon as their material. This consistency means that users can expect a similar deeper and fuller sound profile from both switches at the bottom-out position, as nylon's sound absorption properties are retained. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, users will notice that the tactile feedback during actuation remains comparable, regardless of the differences in the top housings. This shared nylon bottom housing facilitates a harmonious balance in the typing experience, ensuring that while the auditory and tactile qualities differ in the initial phase of actuation, the end result remains within a similar acoustic framework.

In summary, while the Gateron Mountain Top and Huano Strawberry Latte switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials—nylon versus POK—the uniformity in their nylon bottom housing promotes a consistent bottom-out sound profile and tactile feedback. Users can thus enjoy a blend of different auditory experiences during actuation while having a grounded and cohesive experience upon bottoming out. This interplay between the varied top materials and homogenous bottom housings emphasizes the importance of each component in shaping the overall performance of mechanical switches, offering enthusiasts ample room for exploration based on personal preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, promoting comfort for extended use. The Mountain Top switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Consequently, the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option between the two. Both switches offer a tactile experience characterized by lower force requirements, making them suitable for those who appreciate a softer touch for long typing or gaming sessions. However, the Mountain Top provides a slightly more substantial feel, given its higher actuation force. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference, balancing weight and typing feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Mountain Top has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Strawberry Latte extends slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This difference means that players looking for quick responsiveness might favor the Mountain Top switch due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster key presses. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing might prefer the Strawberry Latte, as its longer travel distance offers a more pronounced tactile experience. Both switches reflect the evolving preferences in keyboard design, catering to varying needs based on travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is characterized as neutral with a balanced audio signature, making it versatile for various environments—especially offices where a quieter typing experience is preferred. It provides a moderate sound level that is not overly disruptive, which aligns well with its intended use in professional settings. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a similar balanced sound profile, though it is not explicitly described as quiet. This suggests that while both switches do not produce overly resonant sounds, the Strawberry Latte may not achieve the same level of discretion as the Mountain Top. Nevertheless, both options offer a typing experience suitable for shared or quieter environments.

In terms of tactile feedback, the Mountain Top switch excels with attributes such as being bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. This variety of characteristics provides a lively and responsive feel, ensuring that typing is both efficient and comfortable. Each aspect contributes to a smooth and engaging typing experience, which minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged usage. The specific feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch remains unspecified, leaving some uncertainties. However, if it leans toward smoothness—as suggested by its construction—it could offer a comparable experience for users seeking a comfortable typing sensation.

Overall, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Huano Strawberry Latte switches cater to users who value a balanced auditory and tactile experience. While the Mountain Top is designed with a focus on quietness and discretion, the Strawberry Latte provides a moderately resonant sound. In terms of feel, the Mountain Top certainly stands out with its range of positive qualities, potentially granting it the advantage in a typing experience that is both enjoyable and ergonomic. Although the Strawberry Latte could complement the needs of those requiring smoothness in their switches, the specifics are unclear, making it essential for potential users to consider their individual preferences when making a choice between these two options.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your specific typing environment and preferences. If you find yourself frequently typing in an office or shared space where discretion is paramount, the Mountain Top switches would be an ideal choice. Their light actuation force of 50 grams, combined with a balanced and neutral sound profile, makes them perfect for long typing sessions where you want to minimize disruption. These switches also offer a bouncy, snappy feel, enhancing your typing experience while reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you're seeking a smoother typing experience and appreciate a slightly lighter bottom-out force at 45 grams, the Strawberry Latte switches may be the better option for you. While they are not as quiet as the Mountain Top, their balanced sound profile allows for a pleasant typing experience that isn’t overly resonant. Ultimately, choose the Mountain Top when you prioritize a quieter, professional setting, and opt for the Strawberry Latte if you prefer a smoother and slightly lighter switch with a bit more character in the sound.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mountain Top Linear

$6.00 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more