Gateron Mountain Top vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch. The Mountain Top switch, designed for office environments, offers a quiet and light typing experience, making it ideal for those seeking discretion and comfort during continuous typing sessions. On the other hand, the Violet switch is known for its smooth actuation and pleasing tactile feedback, creating a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a gentle tactile response. While the Mountain Top is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle', the Violet switch falls under 'Stepped' and 'Neutral'. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Jerrzi Violet, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. Therefore, both the Mountain Top and Violet switches will likely offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing material. The Mountain Top features a nylon top housing, which continues the trend of providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, showcasing a clear and resonant sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials will result in a noticeable difference in sound and feel when typing on these switches.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Jerrzi Violet will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the differing top housing materials - nylon for the Mountain Top and polycarbonate for the Violet - will offer distinct sound profiles. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper sound will dictate which switch is more suitable for your typing needs.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. The Mountain Top also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Violet switch is unknown. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Mountain Top make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Violet switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feedback and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top linear switch. The difference may not be significant, but for those who value a slightly deeper key press, the Jerrzi Violet switch may be the preferred choice. However, for those who prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be the better option. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular in the market today, catering to different preferences based on individual typing or gaming styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for key feel and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 it comes to sound, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Jerrzi Violet switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various typing environments. The Mountain Top offers a subdued sound signature, emphasizing its suitability for professional settings, while the Violet switch provides a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a neutral sound quality. The specific sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is highlighted for its bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle characteristics, providing a lively and comfortable typing experience with gentle resistance and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch is described as stepped, offering a tactile feel with two distinct stages during the keystroke. Although the Violet switch may not have the same spring-like feedback as the Mountain Top, it provides a unique typing experience with a mild tactility that some users may prefer.
Overall, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Jerrzi Violet switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Mountain Top excels in providing a quiet and easy-to-press typing experience suitable for professional environments, the Violet switch stands out for its smooth actuation and pleasing tactility. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches offer reliable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a quiet and light typing experience for professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch would be an excellent choice. Its bouncy and easy-to-press feel is perfect for reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a smooth actuation and poppy tactility for an enjoyable typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet switch is the way to go. The stepped feel of the Violet switch offers a more mild tactile feedback compared to other switches. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a light and quiet typing experience or a tactile and enjoyable one.
Mentioned in this article
