Gateron Mountain Top vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top and Aflion Thunder Shadow stand out as compelling options with distinct characteristics. The Mountain Top by Gateron is a linear switch designed specifically for office use, offering a quiet yet lightly tactile typing experience that is ideal for professional environments. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion is a tactile switch known for its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer more feedback. While the Mountain Top is categorized as 'bouncy', 'easy-to-press', 'mild', 'neutral', 'snappy', and 'subtle', the Thunder Shadow is described as 'invigorating' and 'neutral'. Both switches have their unique strengths, and the choice between them depends on your personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and the Aflion Thunder Shadow differ in their choice of materials for both the top and bottom switch housings. The Mountain Top utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow employs polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in material choice leads to distinct sound qualities between the two switches, with the Mountain Top offering a rounder sound while the Thunder Shadow provides a more resonant tone.
While both the Mountain Top and the Thunder Shadow feature nylon for the bottom housing, their top housings differ significantly. The Mountain Top's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing also adds to the switch's sound profile, creating a similar dull and round sound as its top housing. This similarity in bottom housing materials between the two switches may result in comparable typing experiences in terms of sound and feel, despite the differences in their top housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Gateron Mountain Top and the Aflion Thunder Shadow plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While the Mountain Top's nylon top housing results in a duller and rounder sound, the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper tone. However, with both switches featuring nylon bottom housing, there may be similarities in the typing experience between the two, particularly in terms of sound absorption and overall sound profile. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch influences how it feels and sounds during use, highlighting the importance of material selection in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, we can see some clear differences. The Gateron Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow's unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the Mountain Top is 50 grams, which is lighter than the Thunder Shadow's 63.5 grams. This means that the Mountain Top switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Thunder Shadow switch.
In terms of weight, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be preferred by individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch with its heavier bottom out force would cater to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer different levels of actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with the option to choose based on their personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Thunder Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Thunder Shadow with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience one is looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches are categorized as having a neutral sound profile. This means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard they are installed in and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is characterized as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. While the two switches differ in their specific tactile characteristics, both provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Overall, when comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it can be said that while they offer unique sound profiles and tactile feels, they are both designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a subtle and bouncy typing feel or an invigorating and reactive sensation, both switches excel in their own right, allowing users to achieve similar results in terms of typing efficiency and satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference and the specific demands of your typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch or the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is important to assess your specific needs and preferences. If you value a light actuation force and a discreet typing experience suitable for office environments, the Mountain Top switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a tactile bump that provides a harmonious balance between feedback and overall feel, the Thunder Shadow switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as your typing style, environment, and desired typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
