Gateron Mountain Top vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, it's essential to consider their unique characteristics and intended use. The Gateron Mountain Top switch is tailored for office environments, striking a balance between a subdued sound profile and a comfortably light actuation force. Its design emphasizes discretion, making it suitable for long typing sessions where quiet operation is paramount. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which facilitates rapid, precise inputs and a bright, clacky sound that can enhance the gaming experience. While the Mountain Top offers a more subdued typing experience ideal for professional settings, the Vintage Citrus provides the responsiveness and audio feedback gamers often seek. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX Vintage Citrus, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This shared material contributes to a similar typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon as a plastic enables it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a typing experience that is not only quieter but also produces a duller and rounder sound. This consistency in material understandably results in comparable acoustic properties and tactile feedback, appealing to users who seek a softer touch while typing.
Furthermore, while both switches feature nylon in their housing, the crucial aspect of how this material influences the overall experience is shaped by their individual designs and engineering. Each housing, whether top or bottom, contributes uniquely when a user presses a key. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a more significant role when the key is released. Given that both the Mountain Top and Vintage Citrus switches employ nylon throughout, users can expect a similarly dampened auditory experience regardless of the switch brand. However, nuances in the design may yield slight variances that could influence the tactile feel or key response.
In conclusion, the use of nylon across both the Gateron Mountain Top and HMX Vintage Citrus provides a foundation for a consistent and enjoyable typing experience, marked by its acoustic and tactile qualities. Since the materials and their absorptive properties are the same, users can anticipate comparable results in terms of noise and feel when engaging with either switch. Ultimately, while some may prefer the specific brands due to aesthetic or additional features, the fundamental similarity in housing materials ensures that both options deliver a satisfying typing performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Mountain Top switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial feel when typing. This difference suggests that while the Mountain Top may cater to those who prefer ease of use and longer durations without fatigue, the Vintage Citrus could be more appealing to users who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, the Mountain Top is positioned as the lighter option, whereas the Vintage Citrus offers a heavier yet still relatively medium-light experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Mountain Top features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference means that users who opt for the Vintage Citrus may experience quicker key actuation, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, those who choose the Mountain Top switch may appreciate the more pronounced depth, offering a more substantial feel during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, whether one favors the responsiveness of a shorter key travel or the hearty depth of a longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
When examining the sound profiles of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus switch, there are noticeable differences that cater to different environments and preferences. The Mountain Top switch provides a quiet typing experience, which is designed to be discreet, making it ideal for office settings where noise can be a distraction. Its sound is balanced, ensuring that it is neither too loud nor completely silent, striking a middle ground that allows for comfortable typing without disturbing others nearby. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch produces a bright and clacky sound profile that aligns closely with gamer preferences, often preferred for its communicative feedback during rapid typist actions. The audible feedback can be more stimulating for gamers but may not be appropriate for quieter environments.
In terms of tactile feel, the Mountain Top excels with a design that offers a bouncy and lively sensation during typing. This switch features gentle resistance, making it easy to press, which enhances comfort and reduces fatigue during extensive typing sessions. The feedback is consistent and snappy, thanks to its well-engineered spring structure, providing a satisfying rebound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is renowned for its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, making it incredibly responsive. However, additional details about its precise tactile feedback and overall typing experience are less defined, which leaves a gap in comparing its tactile qualities to those of the Mountain Top.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mountain Top and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to distinct user needs, with the former being ideal for office use due to its subdued sound and comfortable feel, while the latter appeals to gamers seeking fast and responsive input with a noticeable auditory signature. If you require a quieter typing experience without compromising on feel, the Mountain Top is a superb choice. Conversely, if you thrive on rapid key actions and don't mind a louder response, the Vintage Citrus might be your ideal switch. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfactory typing experience, though the choice greatly depends on your specific needs and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, you'll want to weigh your specific needs and preferences. If your primary use involves typing in an office environment or shared space where discretion is essential, the Mountain Top switch would be your best bet. With its light bottom-out force of 50 grams, it offers a bouncy, easy-to-press feel that minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. Its neutral sound profile further ensures that you can type away without disturbing colleagues, while still providing a delightful tactile experience. On the other hand, if you’re a gamer seeking speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus is the switch to consider. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 53 grams and an exceptionally low actuation point of just 1mm, it enables rapid-fire inputs, perfect for fast-paced gaming. Its bright, clacky sound and smooth push feel provide both auditory and tactile feedback, enhancing your gameplay. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a quiet, comfortable typing experience for work or a swift, engaging feel for gaming.
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