Gateron Mountain Top vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gazzew U4 offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Mountain Top, a linear switch, is designed for office environments, providing a quiet typing experience with light actuation. In contrast, the U4, a tactile switch, offers a sharp tactile bump and a plush bottom-out sensation, creating a whisper-quiet sound profile. While the Mountain Top is best suited for discreet and continuous typing in professional settings, the U4 stands out for its tactile feedback and overall comfort. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and the Gazzew U4 both utilize soft housing materials that contribute to a deep and full sound profile when typing. The Mountain Top features a nylon top housing, while the U4 boasts a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic." Both materials are relatively softer plastics that absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This common characteristic between the two switches ensures that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality.
In addition to their top housing materials, the Mountain Top and U4 also share a similarity in their bottom housing materials. Both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which also contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of the nylon material allows for sound absorption, creating a more subdued and rounded sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. This shared characteristic further emphasizes the consistent sound quality users can expect from both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gazzew U4 switches.
Despite their similarities in housing materials, the Mountain Top and U4 switches may differ in the way their top and bottom housings affect the typing experience. The qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how subtle differences in housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, even when two switches share similar soft housing materials like nylon and the Gazzew blend.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Mountain Top requires 50 grams of force, while the U4 needs 62 grams. This makes the Mountain Top switch lighter overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The U4 switch, on the other hand, offers a slightly heavier typing feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide different levels of actuation and bottom out forces, so choosing one over the other will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the U4 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press with a bit more depth, the U4 may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quicker and more responsive keystroke, the Mountain Top with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50.
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, which is suitable for a variety of typing environments. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound, making it whisper quiet and minimizing noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on your preference for sound, with the Mountain Top being more versatile and the U4 offering a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing experience, making it comfortable and responsive. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a sharp tactile bump that provides high feedback intensity with each keypress. Depending on whether you prefer a more lively and responsive typing experience or a distinct tactile feedback, you can choose between the Mountain Top or U4 switches for your mechanical keyboard.
Overall, both the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mountain Top switch is more versatile and offers a comfortable typing experience suitable for various environments, the U4 switch provides a quieter sound profile and a sharp tactile bump for those who prefer a more distinct feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a softer keypress with a more muted sound, the U4 switch would be the ideal choice, while the Mountain Top switch would provide a balance of versatility and comfort for a broader range of users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch or the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience, especially for office use, the Mountain Top may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a softer, muted sound profile, the U4 could be the switch that suits your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider what qualities you prioritize in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
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