Gateron Mountain Top vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and the intended use case. The Gateron Mountain Top switch is specifically designed for office environments, prioritizing discretion and comfort with its quiet yet light actuation, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between a subdued sound profile and efficiency in continuous typing scenarios. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch offers a heavier tactile experience with a sophisticated acoustic profile, thanks to its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, resulting in a crisp resonance that appeals to users who enjoy a bit more feedback when typing. While the Mountain Top excels in discretion and ease for office settings, the Xinhai (Heavy) brings a blend of sophistication and performance for those who appreciate a more tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
When analyzing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches, one cannot overlook the similarities they share. Both switches feature nylon for their top and bottom housing, which is a well-regarded material known for its acoustic properties. The use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing due to its softer composition. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, which results in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, both switches are expected to deliver a similar typing sound, appealing to enthusiasts who favor a more muted noise profile when typing.
While both the Mountain Top and Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon for their housings, the impact of this common material varies depending on the housing's position in the switch. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and the tactile feel when the switch is actuated, while the top housing primarily affects the sound profile during key release. Since both switches employ nylon in both housings, users can expect consistent performance in terms of the overall tactile feedback and sound signature. Thus, even though both switches may differ in other design aspects, their identical housing materials ensure that users experience a comparable tactile and acoustic response.
However, it's worth noting that different designs or internal mechanics can lead to varied user experiences, despite identical housing materials. Factors such as spring tension, switch actuation points, and other subtle design differences could influence the overall feel of the switch, even if the housing materials remain the same. Thus, while users can anticipate a similar sound profile and tactile feedback from the Gateron Mountain Top and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) due to their shared nylon housings, individual switch characteristics may yield varying performance nuances that can ultimately influence personal preference. Hence, potential users may wish to test both switches to discern which aligns best with their typing style.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mountain Top requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a gentler touch and may engage in extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In comparison, the Xinhai (Heavy) demands a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more tactile and robust typing experience. Consequently, users of the Mountain Top are likely to find it more comfortable for prolonged use, while Xinhai's heavier actuation and bottom out forces may appeal to those who appreciate a firmer push feel for their keystrokes. Overall, the Mountain Top is the lighter option, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) is the more substantial choice.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, indicating that they share this key characteristic. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and key responsiveness when pressing down on either switch. Since the travel distances are equal, those seeking a consistent typing experience will find that switching between these two options does not alter the depth of key presses. Therefore, both the Mountain Top and the Xinhai (Heavy) switches provide the same travel distance, making them comparable in terms of travel distance performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
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 linear switch offers a neutral acoustic profile that strikes a balance between a subdued sound and a pleasantly moderate actuation force. This makes it well-suited for office environments where discretion is paramount. You can expect a typing experience that is quiet yet provides enough feedback to feel satisfying without being disruptive. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, while not explicitly detailed, features a unique construction aimed at softening the acoustics, suggesting a sound profile that leans towards a crisp yet subtly sophisticated resonance. Therefore, while both aim for a more private typing experience, the Mountain Top leans toward a more neutral sound, whereas the Xinhai promises a refined, higher-pitched tone.
In terms of tactile feel, the Mountain Top excels with a bouncy and easy-to-press design. This switch has a lively feedback that gives a satisfying rebound upon pressing, along with gentle resistance that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This combination of characteristics creates a comfortable and responsive typing experience that feels approachable for both beginners and experienced typists alike. Unfortunately, the specific feel characteristics of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch are not defined, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, the emphasis on a uniquely crafted housing potentially suggests a design that aims for precision and comfort, though more data would be needed to confirm this.
In conclusion, when selecting between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Mountain Top provides a well-rounded experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback, making it particularly appealing for shared or office environments. The subtlety and neutrality of the Mountain Top's sound are contrasted with the Xinhai's promise of a crafters blend of acoustics, though specifics about its feel remain unknown. Depending on your priorities, you might find that the Mountain Top satisfies your need for a balanced, versatile typing experience, while the Xinhai may offer an interesting alternative if you're seeking a more unique sound profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you find yourself frequently working in office settings or shared spaces and prioritize a quiet yet engaging typing experience, the Mountain Top switch is ideal. Its light actuation force of 50 grams, bouncy feel, and mild sound profile make typing effortless and comfortable while minimizing disruption to those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust and tactile typing experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch with its medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams offers a firmer resistance that can provide a more engaging typing feel. Its unique construction contributes to a sophisticated sound profile and precision, making it suitable for a focused work environment or for those who enjoy a more substantial feedback from their switches. Therefore, your choice should reflect your typing habits, the importance of noise levels, and the overall feel you seek in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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