Gateron Mountain Top vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly influence your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Gateron Mountain Top, a linear switch, is specifically engineered for office environments, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. With its comfortably light actuation and subtle sound profile, it strikes an ideal balance for those seeking unobtrusive yet efficient typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, a tactile switch, offers a more pronounced feel with a subtle to moderate tactile bump, allowing typists to enjoy feedback without overwhelming noise. This switch is particularly well-suited for individuals who appreciate a bit of texture during their typing, enhancing accuracy and satisfaction. While both options present unique advantages—Mountains Tops for their discreetness and Weightlessness for their tactile feedback—choosing the right switch ultimately depends on personal preference and typing context. 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
50g
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
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and Gateron Weightlessness both boast nylon as the material used for their top and bottom switch housings, which positions them similarly in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. The use of nylon, described as a classic switch housing material, provides a deeper and fuller auditory experience due to its relatively softer plastic nature. This shared materiality leads to both switches producing a sound that is muted and rounded, contributing to what many users might describe as a satisfying typing experience. This similarity in housing materials results in comparable auditory characteristics across both switches, making them appealing to users who prioritize acoustic dampening.
While both the Mountain Top and Weightlessness utilize nylon for their housing, the overall feel and responsive qualities are nuanced based on how these materials interact when pressed. When typing on these switches, the bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the bottom-out sound and tactile feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon release. Since both switch designs employ the same nylon material for their top and bottom housings, users can expect consistency in performance characteristics, especially with regards to sound absorption and the tactile sensation felt at the bottom of a keystroke. This shared foundation ensures that typing experiences across both models will feel broadly similar.
Nevertheless, it's important to consider how the overall design and construction of each switch may yield slight variations in user experience despite their common housing materials. Factors such as spring tension and internal structure can affect the actuation force and responsiveness, potentially leading to nuanced preferences among typists. However, the profound similarities in the nylon material used in both switches guarantees that the listeners and typists will enjoy a muted, deep sound profile, whether they choose the Mountain Top or Weightlessness. Users can confidently select either model knowing they will experience a rich auditory experience reflective of nylon's advantageous properties.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Weightlessness, which requires 50 grams of force to actuate. This difference makes the Mountain Top more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch provides a heftier feel due to its higher actuation force, appealing to users who favor a more substantial typing experience. While the Mountain Top also has a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Weightlessness's bottom out force is currently unknown. Thus, while the Mountain Top can be characterized as the lighter option overall, the Weightlessness stands out as the heavier choice based on its higher actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the distance you feel when pressing down each key is the same, allowing for consistency in performance and feedback regardless of the switch type. Since both switches share this equal travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key pressing experience, making either switch a viable choice based on their preference for linear or tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch stands out for its neutral auditory profile, characterized by a moderate sound level that strikes a balance between discretion and clarity. This makes the switch an excellent choice for office environments where noise levels can be a concern. The Weightlessness tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics, although its specific attributes remain unspecified. Due to the Mountain Top's carefully engineered design for quiet operation, users can expect a less intrusive typing experience, suitable for collaborative or shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Mountain Top switches provide a unique tactile experience, described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. The bouncy nature of these switches gives a spring-like feedback, enhancing the responsiveness of key presses, while the easy-to-press aspect ensures minimal resistance, making long typing sessions more comfortable. The mild characteristics offer an approachable sensation that suits both beginners and experienced typists alike. The combination of these features results in a pleasant typing experience with a lively touch. Although specific information on the feel of the Weightlessness switches is currently unavailable, their subtle to moderate tactile feel suggests that they may provide a different but still satisfactory experience.
In summary, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch excels in sound and feel, particularly catered for professional settings with its neutral sound and a variety of engaging tactile sensations. The Weightlessness tactile switch may complement typing styles with its tactile feedback, although its detailed feel remains unspecified. Ultimately, while the Mountain Top switches are designed for quiet efficiency, the Weightlessness switches serve a different audience with their tactile focus. Both options cater to preferences for sound and typing feedback, but the Mountain Top clearly positions itself as a work-focused choice, while the Weightlessness adds a tactile dimension that may appeal to those seeking a different tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering the best switch for your mechanical keyboard, it ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and environment. If you find yourself working in an office or shared space where a quieter but still engaging typing experience is essential, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is an excellent choice. With its light actuation force of 50 grams and a neutral sound profile, it allows for effortless typing while minimizing noise distractions, making it perfect for prolonged use in professional settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback to your keystrokes without overwhelming sound, then the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch might suit you better. With a moderate tactile feel, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience that strikes a balance between feedback and sound. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your specific needs for noise levels and tactile response, ensuring that your typing experience is not just effective but also enjoyable.
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