Gateron Mountain Top vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the distinctions between the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX SU can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Mountain Top switches are expertly crafted for office settings, delivering a typing experience that is both quiet and responsive, making them ideal for professional environments where discretion is key. Their characteristics include a bouncy feel, easy actuation, and a mild yet snappy response, which contributes to prolonged typing comfort without distracting others. On the other hand, the HMX SU switches boast a full PA12 housing paired with a T5 stem, offering a relatively deep and subtle sound profile that can appeal to users who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback without being overly loud. While both switches cater to linear preferences and prioritize a smooth typing experience, the Mountain Top leans towards silent efficiency, whereas the SU provides a richer sound experience without compromising on performance. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX SU both utilize nylon as the primary material for their top and bottom switch housings. This similarity in construction leads to a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, which is particularly favored among users who appreciate a muted auditory feedback. The use of nylon, noted for its relatively softer nature compared to harder plastics, promotes sound absorption. This characteristic results in a duller and rounder sound when keys are pressed, which enhances the overall typing experience by minimizing harsh audio that might be present in switches made from harder materials. Since both switch models employ nylon in the same manner, this shared material will yield comparable acoustic results.
In terms of individual construction, the Gateron Mountain Top and HMX SU's housings are mirrored, as each model features nylon for both the top and bottom. This uniformity suggests that typing on either switch will produce similar sensory feedback. When a user presses a key, the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound experienced when releasing a key. Therefore, the design of both switches ensures that the tactile and auditory properties users might seek are consistent across the Gateron Mountain Top and HMX SU, resulting in an experience that satisfies those looking for smoother and quieter keystrokes.
However, the performance of the switches may differ slightly in their feel and sound nuances, even if the material is the same. Factors such as the internal structure, weight of the spring, or slight variations in manufacturing might influence how these switches perform despite the nylon being a constant. While the overarching acoustic characteristics of the switches may align closely due to their shared material design, the subtleties in tactile feedback and sound profile may set them apart in practical application. Ultimately, while both switches promise a similar nylon-influenced typing experience, users may want to try each model to discern any minute differences that could impact their preference.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch with the HMX SU linear switch, we notice that both have a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating they share the same resistance at full depression. However, their actuation forces differ; the Mountain Top switch requires a light actuation force of 40 grams, while the SU switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that the Mountain Top switch is better suited for users seeking a lighter touch, facilitating longer typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch provides a firmer press, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches bottom out at the same force, the Mountain Top's lighter actuation force offers more comfort for prolonged use, whereas the SU's heavier actuation may cater to those who value tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the Mountain Top offers a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the SU has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Mountain Top the shorter option between the two, appealing to gamers and users who favor faster response times due to the reduced distance. In contrast, the HMX SU's longer travel distance may be preferable for those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feel and a hearty depth in their key presses. Ultimately, if you're looking for a swift and responsive experience, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch would be the better choice, whereas the HMX SU may better suit those seeking a more traditional keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 is designed specifically for quiet environments, making it an excellent choice for office use. Its moderate sound profile strikes a balance that is neither entirely silent nor overly loud, ensuring that typing remains discreet without being a distraction. This neutral sound signature allows it to be versatile for various settings, catering well to both beginners and experienced users alike. Meanwhile, the HMX SU linear switch features a subtly deeper sound profile, which may resonate differently and offer a fuller auditory experience. However, as specifics regarding its overall sound signature are less detailed, it’s important to consider external factors such as keyboard construction and keycap materials that can significantly influence the auditory experience of either switch.
When examining feel, the Mountain Top switch excels with its bouncy, easy-to-press characteristics. The lively feedback and gentle resistance make it ideal for lengthy typing sessions, allowing users to experience minimal finger fatigue. Its mild and subtle qualities create an approachable typing experience, situating it comfortably within a wider range of preferences. In contrast, specific descriptions of the tactile feedback associated with the HMX SU switch are not provided. Therefore, it is difficult to ascertain how it compares in this area without further information.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mountain Top and HMX SU linear switches offer unique qualities suitable for different typing environments. The Mountain Top, with its emphasis on a discreet sound and responsive, gentle feel, is tailored for office work and long typing sessions. While the HMX SU promises a deeper sound profile that might add a distinct quality to your setup, the absence of detailed tactile descriptions leaves its feel somewhat ambiguous. All things considered, if you're looking for a harmonious balance between sound and feel, the Mountain Top switch is a commendable choice, whereas the HMX SU may appeal to those who value a more understated auditory experience but need more clarity regarding its tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, consider your specific use case and environment. If you find yourself primarily typing in an office setting or shared workspace where discretion is key, the Mountain Top is the ideal choice. Its balanced sound profile and bouncy, easy-to-press feel make it perfect for prolonged typing sessions without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a more subtle yet deep sound profile, the HMX SU may suit you better. While both switches share a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, the SU switch is tailored for a richer typing experience, which could enhance your work or gaming setup if sound isn't as much of a concern. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits, sound preferences, and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard.
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