Gateron Mountain Top vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches for your setup, the Gateron Mountain Top and HMX Swift linear switches both offer unique features and benefits. The Gateron Mountain Top switch is ideal for office environments, providing a quiet yet tactile typing experience perfect for professional settings. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it a great choice for those looking for a more distinctive typing experience. While the Mountain Top switch focuses on subtlety and comfort, the Swift switch offers a unique sound profile and smooth actuation. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
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 extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX Swift utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material. This means that when typing on switches from either keyboard, users can expect a deep and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. The absorption of sound by the nylon material results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a satisfying typing experience for users of both keyboards.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX Swift are both made of nylon, the impact of each housing material differs when it comes to typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the material of the bottom housing will affect the overall tactile experience when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing has more of an impact on the sound produced when a key is released, influencing the overall sound profile of the keyboard as a whole.
In essence, the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX Swift offer a similar typing experience due to their use of nylon as the housing material for both the top and bottom of the switches. The deep and fuller sound profile created by the softer nature of nylon is a common feature of both keyboards, providing a consistent and satisfying typing experience for users of either keyboard. The differences in the impact of the top and bottom housing materials highlight the attention to detail in the design of these switches, catering to different aspects of the typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that both switches have similar actuation and bottom out forces. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches fall on the lighter side in terms of force required for typing. This makes them suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. The slight difference in actuation force may not be noticeable during everyday use, resulting in a similar typing experience for users of either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of weight and feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Swift has a longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals who prefer quicker response times. However, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may appeal more to gamers looking for a faster keystroke feel. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Swift may provide a more tactile and deliberate typing experience for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments and uses. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp and percussive, adding a lively element to typing. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. The keys have a subtle resistance that is gentle yet responsive, creating a comfortable and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery feel, requiring minimal force to activate while reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Swift switch provides a creamy typing experience with a smooth and buttery feel, making each keystroke effortless and enjoyable.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top and HMX Swift switches offer different sound and feel qualities that cater to various preferences and typing needs. While the Mountain Top switch provides a neutral sound with a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, the Swift switch delivers a clacky sound with feathery and creamy sensations. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences and the desired typing environment. Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top and HMX Swift switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you work in a professional setting where a quiet typing experience is crucial, the Mountain Top switch may be the better choice due to its subdued sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, the Swift switch with its full nylon housing and delicate actuation force could be more appealing. Both switches offer a light bottom out force of 50 grams, so the decision ultimately comes down to the sound and feel characteristics that best suit your preferences and typing needs. Ultimately, it's important to choose a switch that enhances your typing experience and meets your specific requirements.
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