Gateron Mountain Top vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch. The Mountain Top switch by Gateron is designed for office environments, offering a quiet typing experience with a light actuation for discreet and continuous use in professional settings. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch features a unique blend of thocky sound and sharp tactile feedback, providing both auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. While the Mountain Top switch is praised for its easy-to-press and mild feel, the U4T switch stands out for its bassy sound profile and sharp tactility. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gazzew U4T both emphasize the use of soft plastics to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer nature. Similarly, the U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic," that also delivers a rich and deep sound profile. Both switches aim to create a duller and rounder sound by utilizing these soft plastic materials in their construction.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Mountain Top and the U4T continue to exhibit similarities in their approach. The nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top again emphasizes the use of softer plastics to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Likewise, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also known as "boba plastic," aims to deliver a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both switches use the bottom housing to impact the bottom-out sound and feel, further enhancing the typing experience for users.
While there are subtle differences in the specific materials used for the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gazzew U4T, the overarching goal of both switches remains the same: to provide a typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile. Whether it's the nylon top and bottom housing of the Mountain Top or the proprietary Gazzew blend housing of the U4T, the emphasis on soft plastics for sound absorption and a fuller sound remains consistent. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and feel from both switches due to their shared focus on utilizing soft plastic materials in their construction.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mountain Top requires 50 grams, while the U4T requires a heavier 65 grams. This means that the Mountain Top offers a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where lighter actuation is preferred. In contrast, the U4T provides a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer different levels of force, catering to different preferences for typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the U4T has a longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. The traditional travel distance is around 4.0mm, making the U4T more in line with this standard. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top for faster response times, while those looking for a more pronounced keypress may prefer the longer travel distance of the U4T. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the travel distance that best suits individual typing or gaming needs.
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 U4T 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, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and sound suitable for various purposes, whether at home or work. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch boasts a bassy thocky sound profile, delivering a deep, rich sound during key presses with a satisfying "thock" or "knock." Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, the sound produced by these switches will vary, but both offer unique auditory experiences.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing experience. These qualities make typing effortless, responsive, and comfortable, suitable for extended typing sessions and shared spaces. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch provides a sharp tactile feedback with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinct with every keypress. The sharp tactility of the U4T switch enhances the typing experience, giving users a satisfying tactile response with each keystroke.
Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Mountain Top switch provides a moderate and neutral sound with a bouncy and light typing feel suitable for professional settings, while the U4T switch delivers a deeper bassy thock sound with a sharp tactile feedback for a more intense typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a quiet and light typing experience for professional settings, the Mountain Top may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you value a bassy, thocky sound with assertive tactile feedback for a more satisfying typing experience, the U4T could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, as well as the specific demands of your typing environment.
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