Gateron Mountain Top vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it's clear that both switches offer unique qualities to consider. The Mountain Top switch by Gateron caters specifically to office environments, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience perfect for professional settings. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch by Everglide offers a deep and thocky sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the Mountain Top switch is characterized by a subtly bouncy and easy-to-press feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery and easy-to-press with a mild and neutral typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound profile and typing feel. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, we can see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing. The Mountain Top features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Mountain Top produces a duller and rounder sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic nature. While both materials have their unique characteristics, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound preference.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer a unique typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys when pressed, with the softer nylon producing a deeper sound compared to the crisper sound of the polycarbonate. On the other hand, the top housing of each switch plays a significant role in the sound produced when letting go of a key. The nylon top housing of the Mountain Top creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Tourmaline Blue produces a clearer and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mountain Top and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue feature different housing materials for their switches, they both provide an excellent typing experience. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound profile of the nylon housing in the Mountain Top or the sharper and crisper sound profile of the polycarbonate housing in the Tourmaline Blue, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the specific sound profile and typing feel that best suits your needs and preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Mountain Top a lighter option for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a heavier push feel which provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger force feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mountain Top switch will provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Tourmaline Blue switch. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top switch, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Tourmaline Blue switch. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, catering to different preferences for key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The individual sound characteristics of each switch may be more noticeable when paired with different keyboards and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience with mild and subtle characteristics, offering a responsive yet gentle feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery and easy-to-press, with mild qualities that provide a smooth and effortless typing sensation. Both switches aim to cater to users seeking a comfortable and low-impact typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mountain Top and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches may have different sound and feel qualities, they both offer a pleasant typing experience for a variety of users. Whether you prefer a quiet and light actuation switch like the Mountain Top or a deeper and thocky switch like the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect to achieve similar levels of satisfaction with either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your environment and personal preferences. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience ideal for professional settings, the Mountain Top with its light actuation force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a satisfying thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel with a slightly heavier actuation force, the Tourmaline Blue may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a great typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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