Gateron Mountain Top vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Mountain Top switch is ideal for office environments, providing a quiet typing experience with its light actuation while maintaining a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is designed to deliver a tactile typing experience with a 70g bump and captivating "thocky" sound, making typing engaging and satisfying. Both switches have their unique characteristics and cater to different needs and preferences. 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
70g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches feature nylon top and bottom housing materials, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for better sound absorption, creating a rounder and duller sound compared to switches made of harder plastics. This similarity in housing materials ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality from both switches.
Despite their similarities in housing materials, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches may differ in the way the top and bottom housings impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This distinction means that even though both switches use nylon for their housings, the overall typing experience may still vary based on how the different qualities of each housing material are distributed throughout the switch.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches share the same nylon housing materials, their unique design and construction may still result in subtle differences in the typing experience. Users can expect a deep and full sound profile from both switches due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, but the distribution of these qualities between the top and bottom housings may lead to variations in the bottom-out and key-release sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience thanks to their nylon housings, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch. The Mountain Top requires 40 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the WS Heavy Tactile needs 45 grams to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out. The Mountain Top switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required to trigger keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Mountain Top has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Heavy Tactile. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Mountain Top may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may prefer the WS Heavy Tactile. Overall, both switches offer a shorter travel distance that caters to those looking for quick and efficient typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50.
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 typing environments, maintaining a moderate actuation force and sound level. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch provides a more clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, creating a sharp and crisp sound when typing. The choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, with the Mountain Top switch offering a more neutral and subdued experience, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a more engaging and immersive auditory experience.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, providing a light and responsive typing experience with gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offers an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel, with a prominent tactile bump and firm actuation force. While both switches offer a lively typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a more pronounced and tactile feel compared to the more subtle and light feel of the Mountain Top switch.
Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel experiences for users to choose from. The Mountain Top switch excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience suitable for office environments, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a more engaging and tactile typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can select the switch that best suits their typing needs and environment. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider the specific needs of your typing environment and personal preferences. If you value a quiet and light typing experience perfect for professional settings, the Mountain Top switch with its 50g bottom out force may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more engaging and satisfying tactile typing experience with a heavier 70g bottom out force, the WS Heavy Tactile switch with its "thocky" sound and immersive resistance may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a subtle and bouncy typing feel or a sharp and clacky tactile feedback. Choose wisely based on your individual typing style and environment.
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