Gateron Mountain Top vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed for office environments, providing a quiet typing experience with a light actuation that is ideal for professional settings. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch offers a pillowy light feel and a deep, rich sound profile that is satisfying to many users. While the Mountain Top switch is more subdued and neutral in its sound signature, the Wine Red switch is noted for its bassy and low-pitched sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a more discreet typing experience or a more satisfying sound profile. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and the KTT Wine Red both offer different housing materials for their switches. The Mountain Top features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Wine Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a more clear and resonant profile, ideal for RGB lighting. While the Mountain Top focuses on a duller and rounder sound, the Wine Red emphasizes a crisper and more defined sound experience.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Mountain Top and the Wine Red differ in material composition. The nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red generates a sharper and crisper sound. Both housings have their unique qualities that impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material in the bottom housing of the Wine Red adds an aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting setups.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and the KTT Wine Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While the Mountain Top offers a softer and more absorbent sound profile with its nylon housing, the Wine Red provides a crisper and more resonant sound experience with its polycarbonate housing. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, more defined sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top is lighter in both categories. The Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Wine Red has an actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Mountain Top make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the slightly heavier forces of the Wine Red provide a more substantial typing feel for those who enjoy a stronger push when typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements. If you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mountain Top would be the better option, while the Wine Red would be suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wine Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may be favored by gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Wine Red may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer different tactile feedback due to their respective travel distances, providing a variety of options for users based on their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a shorter or longer travel distance is desired for optimal typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 that is suitable for a variety of users and environments, providing a moderate sound level that is not disruptive. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, delivering a deep and rich auditory experience during typing. Depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard, users can choose between a more subtle and neutral sound with the Mountain Top or a deeper and more resonant sound with the Wine Red.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, offering gentle resistance and a spring-like feedback sensation. The switches are described as mild and subtle, appealing to a wide range of users with its approachable qualities. In contrast, while information about the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is not provided, the description of a pillowy light type feel suggests a soft and comfortable typing experience that users may find enjoyable.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. Users looking for a quiet and moderate sound profile may prefer the Gateron Mountain Top, while those seeking a deep and rich sound experience may opt for the KTT Wine Red. In terms of feel, the Gateron Mountain Top provides a bouncy and easy-to-press sensation, while the KTT Wine Red is described as having a pillowy light type feel. Ultimately, users can achieve similar typing results with either switch, depending on their personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, you should consider your environment and preferences. If you work in an office setting and prioritize a quiet typing experience with a comfortably light actuation, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pillowy light typing feel with a deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red switch may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a discreet typing experience or a more satisfying sound and feel while typing. Choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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