Gateron Mountain Top vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches for your typing needs, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Mountain Top is designed with office environments in mind, offering a quiet yet tactile typing experience perfect for professional settings. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow boasts a classic yet innovative design, providing a satisfying bounce with its double-stage spring. While the Mountain Top is known for its balanced sound signature and light actuation, the WS Yellow excels in offering a smooth and fluid typing experience with its lightweight design. 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
53g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches feature nylon housing materials, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material likely means that users can expect similar acoustics and typing experience from both switches.
Despite sharing the same nylon housing material, the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches may differ in the overall typing experience due to other factors such as stem design, spring weight, and lubrication. The top and bottom housings play a role in the overall sound profile of a switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Differences in these areas between the two switches may lead to variations in the typing feel and sound output, even if they share the same housing material.
It is important to consider that while both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches utilize nylon housing materials that offer similar sound profiles, other factors can influence the typing experience. Users may need to test both switches to determine which one best suits their preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. As the top and bottom housings contribute differently to the sound profile, users may find subtle differences between the two switches in terms of bottom-out sound and the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. Both switches have a bottom out force, with the Mountain Top requiring 50 grams and the WS Yellow requiring 53 grams. The Mountain Top switch provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch, while the WS Yellow switch offers a slightly firmer feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals who prefer different levels of key press resistance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. In this case, the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Yellow. The difference of 0.4mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing experience. Players who prioritize speed and quick response times may lean towards the Mountain Top for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress and feedback may find the WS Yellow to be more to their liking with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Yellow 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, making it suitable for a variety of settings and users. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch's sound profile is not specified. This means that while the Mountain Top switch is known for its balanced and moderate sound, the WS Yellow switch's sound characteristics remain unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience that is designed to reduce fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, it offers a mild and subtle typing feel that is approachable to most users. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch is described as creamy and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience possibly due to lubrication applied at the factory. Both switches provide a mild typing experience, but the WS Yellow switch's feel is emphasized on being buttery and polished.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mountain Top switch provides a balanced and subtle sound profile along with a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, catering to those looking for a comfortable and unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch emphasizes a creamy and polished feel without specifying its sound profile. While both switches may offer a mild typing experience, users can expect different tactile and auditory sensations from each, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, consider the environment where you'll be using the keyboard. If you're looking for a switch that is specifically designed for office settings, providing a quiet and light typing experience, the Mountain Top may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce and a smooth sound signature, the WS Yellow could be the perfect fit. Both switches have their unique characteristics and cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider your typing style and surroundings before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow comes down to your personal preferences and the typing experience you're looking for.
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