Gateron Mountain Top vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and intended use, as exemplified by the Gateron Mountain Top and Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Mountain Top switches are engineered specifically for office environments, offering a quiet yet slightly audible typing experience that strikes a balance between discretion and comfort. Their character can be described as bouncy and easy to press, making them ideal for long hours of typing where a subtle touch is appreciated without overwhelming sound. In contrast, the WS Dash switches, a polished variation of the Magnetic Jade, are designed to provide a lively and clacky auditory feedback combined with a silky smooth keystroke. They cater more to those who enjoy a pronounced tactile experience, arguably making them better suited for gaming or creative tasks that benefit from greater auditory engagement. Each switch has its unique appeal—whether you prioritize a serene workspace with the Mountain Top or an exuberant typing experience with the WS Dash. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches, one immediately notices a primary distinction in their top housings. The Mountain Top utilizes nylon for its top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature, which dampens vibrations and sound frequencies. In contrast, the WS Dash employs polycarbonate for its upper casing, significantly altering the auditory experience by producing a sharper, crisper sound. This difference in materials leads to contrasting sensibilities when typing; users of the Mountain Top may appreciate the warmth and depth of sound, while those using the WS Dash may favor the clarity and resonance achievable with polycarbonate.
In terms of bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which results in similarities in sound and tactile sensation for this component. The nylon used in both cases provides a duller aspect to the bottom-out sound and a rounder feel when the key is pressed. This consistent choice allows users to experience a familiar sonic profile when engaging with both switches, despite the differences in their top housings. As a result, the bottom-out impact of both the Mountain Top and WS Dash switches will evoke a similar auditory experience attributable to the nylon composition, appealing to those who enjoy a subdued sound during keystrokes.
Ultimately, the differing materials of the top housings play a significant role in shaping the overall acoustic performance of each switch, whereas the nylon bottom housings bridge a connection between them. When typing, the overall sound profile will reflect this split dynamic; the Mountain Top’s nylon top may produce a more rounded sound on release, while the WS Dash’s polycarbonate top can accentuate brighter, cleaner notes. This interplay means that while both switches offer a satisfying experience, users may need to consider their personal preferences for sound and feel, especially in communal or shared environments where auditory feedback is crucial. The diversity in materials underscores each switch's unique identity and performance characteristics.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch present an interesting contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mountain Top switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. In comparison, the WS Dash features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, but a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that typists who prefer a more lightweight switch might gravitate towards the WS Dash for its lower actuation force, while those looking for a more substantial feel may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the WS Dash. Overall, the Mountain Top offers a more balanced experience with its light actuation and moderately heavier bottom out, whereas the WS Dash presents a combination of a lighter actuation with a somewhat heavier bottom out, making it ideal for those who favor a lighter touch but still want the feedback of a stronger bottom-out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we find that the Mountain Top features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Dash has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Mountain Top the shorter option, appealing to gamers and users who favor quicker response times. On the other hand, the WS Dash, with its longer 3.5 mm travel, may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who appreciate a deeper feel. Ultimately, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional 4.0 mm switches, the Mountain Top's travel is marginally less, catering to those who prefer a brisker actuation, whereas the WS Dash might be better suited for users seeking a more pronounced key response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 switches are engineered to provide a relatively quiet yet distinct typing experience, making them especially suitable for office environments. Their neutral sound profile strikes a balance that is unobtrusive, perfect for maintaining a focus on work without disturbing others. This makes them versatile enough for various settings, whether at home or in a professional workspace. In contrast, the WS Dash switches from Wuque Studio deliver a bright and clacky sound signature that stands out, adding a layer of auditory excitement to the typing experience. While the distinctively lively sound of the WS Dash can be enjoyable, it may not be as practical in quiet environments as the Mountain Top, which prioritizes discretion.
In terms of feel, the Mountain Top switch offers a robust typing experience characterized by several appealing attributes. The keys have a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that enhances typing engagement. Moreover, their easy-to-press mechanism means that minimal force is needed for actuation, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This smooth action, coupled with a mild and subtle resistance, ensures that users experience a low-impact and comfortable typing journey. On the other hand, the specific feel characteristics of the WS Dash switches were not described, leaving their tactile feedback and response a bit of an unknown. However, it can be anticipated that the unique hall effect design could contribute significantly to their tactile qualities.
In summary, while both Gateron Mountain Top and WS Dash switches cater to different user experiences, they present distinct advantages. The Mountain Top series demonstrates a quiet and gentle typing experience perfect for shared spaces, while the WS Dash introduces a vibrant auditory dynamic that may appeal more to enthusiasts seeking a lively and engaging feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a subdued typing experience for focused work or a bold auditory expression for recreational typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and typing environment. If you're working in an office or shared space where discretion is key, the Mountain Top is your best bet. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it easy to type on without causing finger fatigue, while its bouncy and snappy feel adds a level of engagement to your typing experience. The neutral sound profile ensures that you won’t disturb coworkers, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the WS Dash switches are suited for users who appreciate a more tactile experience combined with a brighter sound signature. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 55 grams, these switches deliver a distinct clack that can elevate the joy of typing, particularly for gaming or more expressive typing activities. Their silky smooth feel makes for a pleasurable experience, but you may want to reserve them for environments where sound isn’t a major concern. In essence, if you prioritize a quiet, comfortable, and efficient typing experience, go for the Mountain Top; if you prefer a more expressive feel and sound, the WS Dash is your ideal choice.
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