Gateron Mountain Top vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX Twilight offer distinct characteristics that can greatly influence your typing experience. The Mountain Top switches are designed specifically for office environments, blending a quiet yet satisfying typing feel with a light actuation force that ensures comfortable, prolonged use without disturbing those around you. Their mild and subtle feedback promotes a focused atmosphere, ideal for professionals who prefer less noise while maintaining a pleasant typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Twilight linear switch boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a somewhat hushed yet still lively audible feedback, striking a balance between quiet operation and the signature clacky appeal that fans of HMX switches appreciate. Both switches serve different needs—while the Mountain Top prioritizes discretion in professional settings, the HMX Twilight caters to those who seek an engaging and dynamic typing experience without excessive noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX Twilight feature identical materials for their switch housings, both utilizing nylon for the top and bottom. This consistency in housing material contributes significantly to their auditory and tactile characteristics, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile during use. The nylon’s softer composition helps absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which is particularly appreciated by typists looking for a quieter and more muted keystroke sound. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a similar acoustic performance, making either option suitable for those who prioritize sound dampening in their typing experience.
Though the materials used in both the Mountain Top and Twilight are the same, the impact of these materials may vary depending on the interplay between the top and bottom housings. For instance, while both switches will provide a softer sound due to the nylon construction, the top housing will influence the sound profile during release, whereas the bottom housing will have more effect on the bottom-out sound and feel. This fundamental division allows for a nuanced typing experience, where the characteristics of both housings can be celebrated, leading to a harmonious blend of sensations. Even with the common nylon material, the experience can feel diverse depending on how each housing shapes the interaction of the switch as a whole.
Ultimately, the comparison between the Gateron Mountain Top and HMX Twilight emphasizes the importance of material consistency in achieving desirable properties in mechanical switches. As both switches utilize nylon for their housings, users can anticipate a comparable typing experience in terms of sound quality and key press feedback. This parity reinforces the idea that, despite the naming and possible design variations between the two switches, the fundamental typing characteristics derived from the nylon material will remain largely consistent, ensuring that users looking for a specific acoustic and tactile sensation will find satisfaction in either choice.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, both options offer a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for long-term use such as work or extended gaming sessions. The Mountain Top switch features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Twilight requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams, yet it also has the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the actuation force of the Mountain Top is lighter, both switches reach the same bottom-out force, suggesting a similar resistance at the end of their travel. Therefore, users seeking a lighter actuation may prefer the Gateron Mountain Top, whereas those who favor a slight increase in actuation force might opt for the HMX Twilight, but both provide a consistent bottom-out experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference means that the Mountain Top is better suited for those who prefer a more responsive feel, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Twilight's travel distance provides a heftier depth that some users may find more satisfying, as it allows for a more noticeable keypress before bottoming out. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Mountain Top would be the preferred choice, whereas if you enjoy a deeper press, the Twilight would be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 linear switch is crafted to ensure a discreet typing experience, making it suitable for office environments where noise may be a concern. It provides a quiet yet balanced sound profile that is both subdued and moderate, allowing for continuous typing without disturbing those nearby. On the other hand, while specific sound characteristics of the HMX Twilight linear switch are unknown, it is noted for having an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a slightly quieter typing experience that still retains some of the unique clacky aspects associated with HMX switches. Thus, while both switches prioritize quieter operation, the Mountain Top excels in its focus on discretion, while the Twilight offers a distinctive sound profile that may appeal to a different kind of tactile satisfaction.
When it comes to feel, the Mountain Top switch is designed for a variety of typing experiences. It is notably bouncy, providing a spongy feedback sensation that enhances the typing experience with a lively rebound. Its easy-to-press nature requires minimal force for actuation, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use, a quality that makes it excellent for busy office settings. The feel is further characterized as mild and subtle, providing a gentle resistance without being overwhelming. In contrast, the tactile feedback and specific characteristics of the HMX Twilight switch remain unclear, which leaves a notable gap in understanding how its feel compares directly with the Mountain Top. Thus, while the Mountain Top showcases a user-friendly and responsive typing experience, further insight into the Twilight is necessary to make a direct correlation.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch clearly offers a quiet and balanced sound profile along with a responsive and user-friendly feel, the HMX Twilight linear switch's characteristics remain largely unknown, particularly regarding its tactile feedback. The Mountain Top is ideal for office environments where discretion is essential, and its bouncy, easy-to-press nature fosters a comfortable typing experience. Until additional information on the Twilight becomes available, individuals choosing between these switches will find that the Mountain Top may be the safer option for those prioritizing sound and feel in professional settings.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you're primarily working in a shared office space, the Mountain Top is an excellent option due to its balanced, discreet sound profile and light actuation force that allows for comfortable extended typing sessions without causing disruption. Its bouncy and easy-to-press feel provides a lively typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for professionals who need to maintain productivity in a quieter setting. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a slightly quieter output combined with a unique response, the HMX Twilight may be more suited for you. With its extended travel distance and signature clacky sound that remains subdued, this switch is great for those who enjoy a tactile experience without compromising the sound level. Ultimately, consider your typing environment and personal feel preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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