Gateron Mountain Top vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switches offer distinct qualities to consider. The Gateron Mountain Top switch is tailored for office environments, prioritizing a quiet yet tactile typing experience ideal for professional settings. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is designed for delicate typing and extended use, delivering a crisp sound profile for a satisfying typing experience. While the Mountain Top switch is characterized as 'bouncy', 'snappy', and 'subtle', the Yanyu switch is labeled as 'feathery', 'polished', and 'thocky'. 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
43g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and the SP-Star Yanyu both use nylon in their housing materials, providing a deep and full sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. However, the Yanyu incorporates a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in both the top and bottom housings, offering a pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side compared to the Mountain Top. This blend adds a touch of uniqueness to the Yanyu switch, creating a sound experience that sets it apart from the traditional nylon housing of the Mountain Top.
In terms of the top housing, the Mountain Top's nylon material delivers a rounder and duller sound profile compared to the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, which offers a brighter tone. This difference in sound characteristics between the two switches can greatly impact a user's typing experience, with the Yanyu providing a somewhat sharper sound profile that stands out from the deeper tones of the Mountain Top. Additionally, the bottom housing materials of both switches play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the keys, with the Yanyu's unique blend contributing to the overall brightness of the switch compared to the Mountain Top's traditional nylon bottom housing.
While both switches utilize nylon in their housing materials, the SP-Star Yanyu's incorporation of a specialized Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend sets it apart from the Gateron Mountain Top in terms of sound profile. The Yanyu's blend produces a pleasant and brighter sound profile that differs from the deeper and fuller sound of the Mountain Top's traditional nylon housing. The split qualities of the top and bottom housing materials also influence the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Yanyu has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 43 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 50 grams. Both switches fall on the lighter side of the force spectrum, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and ease of use when using either of these switches. For those who prioritize longer typing sessions, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of these switches may be preferable. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Mountain Top and SP-Star Yanyu switches will likely come down to personal preference for typing feel and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Yanyu has a longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. The Mountain Top's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the Yanyu's longer travel distance might be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 SP-Star Yanyu switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. However, the Yanyu switch offers a thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy and easy-to-press experience, providing a lively and responsive typing feel while being gentle on the fingers. Additionally, it is described as having a mild and subtle resistance, making it approachable to most users. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch provides a mild and feathery typing experience, requiring minimal exertion and reducing finger fatigue. It also has a subtle and polished feel, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing.
Overall, both the Gateron Mountain Top and SP-Star Yanyu switches offer quality typing experiences suitable for different preferences. While the Mountain Top emphasizes a bouncy and easy-to-press feel with a quiet sound profile, the Yanyu provides a delicate and feathery typing experience with a crisp thocky sound. Depending on your typing style and preference for sound and feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you are looking for a switch specifically engineered for professional settings that provides a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, the Mountain Top may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile, especially for long typing sessions, the Yanyu switch might be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing environment.
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