Gateron Mountain Top vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it's clear that each offers unique features catering to different preferences. The Gateron Mountain Top switch is specifically designed for office environments, providing a quiet typing experience with a light actuation ideal for discreet typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a rich and indulgent typing experience with a captivating sound profile and unique glide feel. Both switches have their own strengths, but ultimately the choice between them depends on individual preference and 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and Everglide Sunset Yellow both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. While the Mountain Top uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing, the Sunset Yellow utilizes POM for both components. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, POM creates a more muted but pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper side. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their respective housing materials.
In terms of sound characteristics, the nylon and POM housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and Everglide Sunset Yellow offer slightly different qualities. The nylon housing of the Mountain Top creates a duller and rounder sound profile, giving a deep and full typing experience. Meanwhile, the POM housing of the Sunset Yellow produces a more muted sound that is still pleasing and unique, with a deeper tone. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, showcasing the impact housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and Everglide Sunset Yellow differ, they both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials. Whether it's the nylon of the Mountain Top or the POM of the Sunset Yellow, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch are quite similar, with the Mountain Top being slightly lighter in both categories. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 43 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Mountain Top requires 50 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 51 grams, indicating a slightly lighter touch for fully pressing down on the key. Both switches fall within the lighter to medium-light range of force, making them suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue can be a factor. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and the desired level of force required for a keystroke.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. If you prioritize quick key presses and responsiveness, the Sunset Yellow may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press and feeling of depth, you may lean towards the Mountain Top with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and how you value the travel distance of the switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09.
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 offers a neutral sound profile suitable for a variety of users and environments, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch boasts a more bassy and thocky sound, creating a rich and indulgent typing experience reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. The Sunset Yellow switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with its unique auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is characterized by its bouncy and easy-to-press nature, giving users a lively and comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. The touch of these switches is described as mild and subtle, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for various users. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch provides a creamy and frictionless feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation. The polished finish of these switches contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while both switches offer linear actuation, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is more tailored towards office settings with its discreet sound and comfortable actuation, making it ideal for professional use. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch provides a more indulgent sound and smooth typing experience, catering to users looking for a rich and luxurious typing feel. Depending on personal preferences and intended use, users can choose between the subdued sound of the Gateron Mountain Top switch or the rich sound and smooth feel of the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch to suit their typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are in a professional setting that requires quiet and discreet typing, the Mountain Top switch with its light actuation force and subdued sound signature may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more indulgent typing experience with a rich, bassy sound profile and a smooth, frictionless feel, the Sunset Yellow switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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