Gateron Mountain Top vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches like the Gateron Mountain Top and the TTC Yunhai, both designed for a linear typing experience, distinct characteristics tailor them to different user needs. The Mountain Top switches excel in office environments, crafted to deliver a quiet yet tactile feedback, making them ideal for professional settings where discretion is paramount. Their mild and easy-to-press nature ensures a comfortable typing experience without disturbing colleagues, appealing to those who value a subtle, snappy response in their keyboard. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches offer a uniquely smooth typing sensation, characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force. This design caters to typists who enjoy a gentle and effortless keystroke, promoting a relaxed typing session but may be more suited for home or personal use where the sound is less of a concern. With both options offering benefits that cater to specific environments and preferences, the ultimate choice depends on your individual typing style and setting. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and TTC Yunhai switches both feature nylon housings for their top and bottom components. This commonality in material choice significantly influences the overall acoustic and tactile experience of each switch. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Since both switches utilize nylon for their housings, users can expect a similar sound signature characterized by a muted and rounder tone, enhancing the overall typing experience. This similarity in material will likely yield comparable results in terms of sound dampening and tactile feedback when both switches are used in a keyboard setup.
In terms of the specific characteristics that each housing provides, the Mountain Top and Yunhai switches should perform similarly due to the homogeneity of nylon in both the top and bottom housings. As noted, the nylon's softer properties contribute to sound absorption, resulting in a pleasing auditory signature when typing. This means that regardless of which switch is being utilized, the user will experience consistent bottom-out sounds that are less jarring. The nylon components will absorb vibrations more effectively, leading to a typing experience that emphasizes the softer sounds unique to the identical material used in both the Mountain Top and Yunhai switches.
However, even with the same material used in their housings, the overall design and engineering of the switches can introduce differences in feel and performance. While both switches share the nylon material, the specific design aspects—such as spring tension or the shape of the stem—may result in variance in actuation force and typing dynamics. Consequently, users might find that one switch feels different in terms of responsiveness and key travel despite the acoustical similarities. Ultimately, while the Gateron Mountain Top and TTC Yunhai switches will largely mirror each other in sound quality due to their nylon housings, nuanced differences in design could lead to distinct user experiences beyond just the auditory profile.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both exhibit a light feel, but they have slight differences in their actuation forces. The Mountain Top requires an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Yunhai has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams; however, both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Mountain Top is marginally lighter to begin a keystroke, both switches will produce a similar tactile experience at the bottom of the key press. For those who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Gateron Mountain Top may be the preferred choice, while those who appreciate a slightly stronger push feel might lean towards the TTC Yunhai. Ultimately, both provide a solid option for users looking for lighter linear switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, noticeable differences emerge. The Mountain Top has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Yunhai features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.2 mm difference means gamers and users seeking a quicker response might prefer the Mountain Top for its more immediate actuation, contributing to faster gameplay. On the other hand, the Yunhai, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more deliberate and pronounced keystroke, allowing for a fuller typing experience. Ultimately, your preference will dictate which switch might be more suitable for your needs, depending on whether you favor speed or depth in tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Mountain Top switch is characterized as neutral, meaning it delivers a moderate volume that strikes a balance perfectly suited for most environments. This makes it a particularly good choice for office settings, where typing noise could be a concern. While the sound is not entirely silent, it is designed to be discrete, allowing for prolonged typing without drawing too much attention. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch is noted for its deep, rounded sound, which creates a rich audio experience during typing. This unique sound is more pronounced than the Mountain Top’s, contributing to a pleasant auditory feedback for users who appreciate a more resonant typing experience. The final auditory result can be influenced by factors like the keyboard build and keycap choice, meaning both switches have the potential for variations in sound quality depending on how they are implemented.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Mountain Top excels with its bouncy and easy-to-press characteristics, providing that lively, elastic feedback during usage. It requires minimal force to activate, which enhances comfort and reduces fatigue during long typing sessions. The gentle resistance fosters an approachable experience, making it friendly for both novice and experienced typists alike. The snappy and subtle attributes further enhance responsiveness while ensuring sound is not overwhelming in shared workspaces. Conversely, the specific feel qualities of the TTC Yunhai switch are not detailed here, leaving an unknown factor when comparing it to the Mountain Top. However, the Yunhai's incredibly light actuation force leads us to believe it may also offer a gentle and effortless typing experience, akin to that of the Mountain Top, making them both easy on the fingers.
In summary, while the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a neutral sound profile tailored for subdued office environments and excels in offering a lively yet comfortable typing feel, the TTC Yunhai switch is distinguished by its deeper sound and likely similarly light actuation. Both switches cater to preferences for a lighter feel in typing, but their unique auditory characteristics differentiate them in use. Overall, for someone seeking a quiet and pleasant typing experience without excess noise, either switch could serve well, although the choice may ultimately depend on personal sound preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, your specific typing needs and environment will greatly influence your decision. If you're working in an office setting or shared space where discretion is key, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is the way to go. Designed for quieter environments, this switch offers a balanced sound profile and a bouncy feel, making it suitable for long typing sessions without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you value a very light touch and prefer a typing experience that feels effortless, the TTC Yunhai linear switch might be your best bet. Its deep, rounded sound profile delivers a unique auditory experience, while its ultra-light activation makes each keypress feel like a breeze. In essence, if you seek a subdued but responsive switch for professional settings, opt for the Mountain Top; conversely, if you desire a switch that offers a smooth, almost gliding feel with less acoustic disruption, the Yunhai should fit your needs perfectly.
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