Gateron Mountain Top vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Onion are both linear switches that offer unique characteristics for different preferences. The Mountain Top is ideal for office environments, providing a quiet typing experience with a light actuation that is perfect for continuous typing in professional settings. On the other hand, the WS Onion offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive typing experience with a neutral sound profile. While the Mountain Top is bouncy and easy-to-press, the WS Onion is polished and buttery. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing. Therefore, both the Mountain Top and the WS Onion should offer a similar tactile and auditory experience in terms of the bottom housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of top housing material. The Mountain Top features a nylon top housing, which, like its bottom housing, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Onion utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, the top housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Ultimately, while both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Onion offer nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience, their choice of top housing material sets them apart. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon found in the Mountain Top or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the WS Onion, the top housing material significantly influences the overall sound profile and tactile feel of the switch. It's important to consider your preferences and priorities when choosing between these two switches based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Mountain Top does have a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams, while the WS Onion has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it the heavier of the two options. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Mountain Top for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the WS Onion with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Onion. A 3.4 mm travel distance may be preferred by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, while a 4 mm travel distance may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference whether you prefer the shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Mountain Top and the WS Onion linear switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and emit a moderate sound, making them suitable for a variety of users and settings. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as having a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle feel. This means that it provides a spring-like feedback, requires minimal force to activate, offers a gentle typing experience, feels highly responsive, and has a gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch offers a buttery and polished feel, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a more lively and bouncy typing experience with subtle sound, the Gateron Mountain Top switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and polished keystroke feel with a buttery sensation, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter switch with a focus on office-friendly typing and subtle sound profile, the Mountain Top may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a buttery smooth keystroke and a polished finish, the WS Onion is the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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