Gateron Mountain Top vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX Sunset Gleam offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences and environments. The Mountain Top, designed primarily for office settings, provides a quietly bouncy feel that caters to uninterrupted typing without disturbing colleagues. Its comfortable light actuation enhances typing speed while maintaining a mild sound signature, making it a solid choice for professionals seeking discreet and efficient performance. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, stands out for its harmonious blend of materials that create a satisfying sound with a subtle top-out and a pleasing clack. Coupled with HMX’s renowned factory lube, this switch promises a more tactile and auditory delight while still being linear in nature. Both switches cater to users looking for smooth keystrokes, yet they occupy different niches—one aiming for quiet professionalism and the other for an engaging tactile 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and HMX Sunset Gleam switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which contribute to their unique sound profiles during operation. The Mountain Top features a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound. This softer plastic lends the switch a deeper and fuller sound profile that produces a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing that offers a crisper and clearer sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate not only enhances the sharpness of sounds produced during key presses but also resonates more effectively, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic response, especially in environments where RGB lighting is utilized.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, an interesting similarity arises. Both the Mountain Top and Sunset Gleam utilize nylon materials for their bottom housings, which contributes to a consistent auditory quality between the two. The nylon bottom housing in both switches helps to create that signature deeper and fuller sound profile, impacting the bottom-out feel and sound. This shared material means that, despite their differences in top housing, users can expect a similar tactile experience and auditory feedback when the keys are fully depressed, as both will embody the softer qualities characteristic of nylon.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different materials in the top and bottom housings informs the overall performance of each switch. While the Gateron Mountain Top leans towards a more muted and rounded sound due to its nylon top housing, the HMX Sunset Gleam combines a sharper top sound profile with a fuller bottom due to its polycarbonate and nylon combination. The unique acoustic characteristics imparted by the differing top materials lead to two distinct experiences when typing, even if the bottom housing provides a comforting consistency. Thus, users may prefer one over the other based on their specific sound profile expectations and aesthetic desires, especially when considering compatibility with RGB lighting and the resulting visual effects.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we can see some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mountain Top requires an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sunset Gleam has an actuation force of 42 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Mountain Top has a lighter overall feel, making it a great option for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long hours at work or during extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam is marginally heavier in terms of actuation, which might appeal to those looking for a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, while both switches are considered light, the Mountain Top offers a slightly lighter touch compared to the Sunset Gleam, catering to different user preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Mountain Top switch the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers might prefer for quick key presses. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam's longer travel distance allows for a more pronounced depth, which can feel more satisfying for users who enjoy a fuller key press experience. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Mountain Top switch would be the ideal choice, while those who favor a more substantial typing experience may find the Sunset Gleam more appealing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Mountain Top switch is characterized as neutral, providing a moderate sound signature that strikes a balance suitable for various environments. This makes it particularly well-suited for office settings where discretion is valued; the sound is subdued enough to avoid disturbing colleagues yet audible enough to give feedback on keystrokes. In contrast, details about the HMX Sunset Gleam’s sound characteristics are not specified, but it is known for having a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, suggesting it might offer a more distinct auditory feedback that some users may find appealing. However, sound perception will ultimately vary based on keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Mountain Top switches offer a variety of engaging sensations. Described as bouncy and snappy, they provide a lively experience with a pleasant rebound when keys are pressed. The easy-to-press design, combined with mild and subtle characteristics, contributes to a typing experience that is both effortless and comfortable, making them a solid choice for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, information about the feel of the HMX Sunset Gleam switches is not provided, leaving a gap in direct comparison regarding the tactile experience they provide.
In summary, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch excels in delivering a moderate sound and a highly enjoyable typing feel that caters well to office use and long-term typing. Its combination of bounciness, ease of activation, and subtleness makes it a versatile option. In contrast, while the HMX Sunset Gleam’s auditory and tactile qualities are less defined, they promise distinct characteristics that may attract those looking for an engaging typing experience. Both switches can offer enjoyable results, but the Mountain Top provides clearer documentation on performance, particularly for typing in a shared space.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you're looking for a switch tailored for office use, the Mountain Top is an excellent choice, as it offers a bouncy, easy-to-press feel with a subdued sound profile that allows for comfortable and discreet typing during long work hours. Its balanced sound and mild actuation force will be especially appreciated in shared spaces where you want to minimize distractions. Conversely, if you’re seeking a switch that provides a more pronounced tactile feedback with a satisfying top-out sound, the HMX Sunset Gleam may be your best bet. This switch shines when you value a subtle clack and high responsiveness, making it ideal for casual gaming or at-home typing sessions where some auditory feedback enhances the experience. Ultimately, consider your primary usage scenario—office versus home—and select the switch that aligns best with your preferences.
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