Gateron Mountain Top vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ present unique advantages tailored for different preferences and environments. The Gateron Mountain Top, known for its discreet operation, offers a balance of a gentle sound profile and a light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for professional settings where a quieter typing experience is essential. Its bouncy and snappy feel allows for efficient, continuous typing without causing disruptions in office environments. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ exudes a luxurious typing experience with its all-POM construction, delivering an eye-catching "thock" sound and a buttery-smooth keystroke that appeals to those who savor auditory and tactile feedback. While the Mountain Top is engineered for discretion and comfort, the WS POM+ caters to users who relish a more pronounced auditory experience during typing. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches present distinct approaches to sound profile and tactile feedback, despite their shared goal of enhancing typing experience. The Gateron Mountain Top utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic material known for its softer texture. This allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic character. Users can expect a noticeable roundness in sound when typing on these switches, as nylon's properties dampen higher frequencies and create a more muted auditory experience. This sound profile fosters a warm ambiance while typing, appealing to those who appreciate a more subdued auditory feedback.
In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches feature POM (polyoxymethylene) for both their top and bottom housings. POM is a harder plastic compared to nylon, providing a unique yet similarly deep sound profile. The POM material lends itself to generating a pleasant and somewhat muted sound that still maintains a satisfying typing experience. While the sonic characteristics deviate slightly due to the inherent differences in material hardness, the overall impact is comparable, as both switches aim to create an enjoyable typing sound that eschews harshness. The use of POM also implies a potentially crisper feel upon bottoming out, which can enhance the tactile feedback when pressing the key down.
Despite these differences in material composition, the overall typing experience may yield similar results as both housing types focus on producing a pleasing sound profile. Each switch's design integrates the qualities of its respective materials, with the bottom housing more noticeably affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the release sound. Thus, whether you choose the Gateron Mountain Top with its nylon housings or the WS POM+ with its POM construction, both options are likely to deliver a satisfying auditory experience with their respective tonal nuances and tactile feedback. This focus on sound and feel creates a connection between the two switches in their ability to enhance the typing experience, making it possible for users to find comfort and satisfaction regardless of their choice.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Mountain Top switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS POM+ requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a firmer typing experience. Thus, for those prioritizing a lightweight switch for extended use, the Gateron Mountain Top is the more appropriate choice, while the practical and heavier feel of the WS POM+ may appeal to users seeking tactile feedback. Overall, while both switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, they cater to distinct preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the Mountain Top stands at 3.4 mm, while the WS POM+ measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Gateron Mountain Top offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the WS POM+ with its longer travel distance could provide a more pronounced tactile experience, which some users may prefer for a less abrupt keypress. Ultimately, if you're looking for faster actuation, the Gateron Mountain Top would be the more suitable choice, while those preferring a deeper keystroke might lean towards the WS POM+.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90.
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 is expertly designed to create a neutral acoustic profile, ensuring a balanced sound that comfortably integrates into both office and home environments. Its relatively quiet typing experience allows for extensive use without causing distractions to others nearby. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch offers a deeper and more satisfying "thock," which can be quite pleasing but is likely more noticeable than the Mountain Top's sound. While both switches have their own unique auditory characteristics, the Mountain Top maintains a more subdued quality ideal for shared spaces, whereas the WS POM+ emphasizes resonance that many tactile enthusiasts seek.
When it comes to feel, the Mountain Top linear switch excels with a host of characteristics that contribute to an overall comfortable typing experience. Described as bouncy and easy-to-press, these switches require minimal effort for actuation, which enhances the ease of long typing sessions while reducing finger fatigue. The mild and subtle nature of the switch creates a gentle resistance that is approachable for all users, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned typists. In contrast, the feel of the WS POM+ remains unknown, making direct comparisons in this regard challenging. The Mountain Top's blend of responsiveness and comfort may cater to individuals looking for a light, effortless experience.
In summary, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has been engineered for discretion and comfort, delivering a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel ideal for professional environments. Meanwhile, the WS POM+ is noted for its deeper sound signature, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a more resonant typing experience, although its tactile characteristics are unspecified. Overall, potential users can expect a distinctly quieter and more office-friendly experience with the Mountain Top, while those who appreciate a pronounced auditory response may gravitate toward the WS POM+.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch comes down to your specific typing needs and environment. If you're working in an office or shared space where discretion is key, the Mountain Top switch stands out for its quiet operation and light actuation force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions without disturbing those around you. Its bouncy and snappy feel, combined with a mild sound profile, ensures you can type comfortably while maintaining a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you seek a more satisfying auditory feedback and a tactile experience with a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, the WS POM+ is the way to go. This switch offers a deeper "thock" sound signature that many enthusiasts appreciate, along with a smoother keystroke that's particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic element while typing. Thus, your choice should reflect your priorities—whether you need a professional, quiet switch or a more engaging and sonorous typing experience.
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