Gateron Mountain Top vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to Gateron mechanical keyboard switches, the Mountain Top and Zero Degree 0° both offer unique qualities for different preferences. The Mountain Top, a linear switch, is ideal for office environments, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with light actuation. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° linear switch is revolutionizing silent typing with its self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering unparalleled smoothness and stability. While the Mountain Top focuses on a balanced sound signature for professional settings, the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes sound absorption and reduced noise. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, where they differ is in the top housing material. The Mountain Top features a nylon top housing, which continues to contribute to the deeper sound profile, while the Zero Degree 0° uses a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. These differences in top housing materials lead to distinct acoustical characteristics between the two switches.
While both the Mountain Top and the Zero Degree 0° utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the top housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall sound profile of the switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing on the Zero Degree 0° contributes to a sharper and clearer sound, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more resonant sound profile. This difference in top housing materials showcases how small variations can have a significant impact on the overall typing experience.
The split between the bottom and top housing materials in the Gateron Mountain Top and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° results in distinct qualities being felt and heard when using these switches. The bottom housing material primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, with both switches utilizing nylon in this area to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, with the Mountain Top's nylon top housing producing a deeper sound profile compared to the crisper sound created by the polycarbonate top housing of the Zero Degree 0°. These differences highlight how the choice of housing materials can influence the overall typing experience and sound profile of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Zero Degree 0° with 45 grams, making the Mountain Top easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the Mountain Top also has a heavier bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Zero Degree 0° is unknown. This means that while the Mountain Top may require less force to start typing, it also requires more force to fully press down compared to the Zero Degree 0°. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference, with the Mountain Top offering a lighter actuation force but a heavier bottom out force, and the Zero Degree 0° having a slightly heavier actuation force but an unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may appreciate the quicker response time of the Mountain Top's shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Zero Degree 0° switch. In general, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the level of key travel depth and responsiveness desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch are not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare the sound qualities of the two switches. However, both switches are designed with quietness in mind, appealing to users who prioritize a discreet typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, offering a lively and responsive typing feel with minimal resistance. In contrast, the feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is not detailed, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of keypress feedback and actuation force. However, both switches are designed to provide a smooth and stable typing experience, prioritizing comfort and usability.
Overall, while the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Gateron Mountain Top and Zero Degree 0° linear switches vary, both switches are focused on delivering a quiet and comfortable typing experience. Users can expect similar results in terms of discreet sound profiles and responsive keypress feedback when using either of these Gateron switches, making them suitable choices for those seeking a silent and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch or the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is important to take into account the specific needs of your typing environment. If you work in an office setting where quiet typing is essential, the Mountain Top switch would be the ideal choice with its light actuation force and subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize unparalleled smoothness and stability in your typing experience, particularly for silent typing, then the innovative design of the Zero Degree 0° switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a quiet typing experience or exceptional smoothness and stability in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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