Durock Light Tactile vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron Mountain Top offer distinct qualities catering to different preferences. The Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility and unique sound signature, providing a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, Gateron's Mountain Top switches are designed for office environments, emphasizing quietness and ease of typing. While the Light Tactile switch is more polished and mild, the Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy and easy-to-press feel. Both switches have their strengths depending on individual preferences; however, let's delve deeper to help you make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron Mountain Top feature nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. However, the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Light Tactile switch provides a more vibrant and lively sound experience compared to the Mountain Top's nylon top housing.
Although both switches feature nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the differences in their top housing materials create distinct sound profiles for the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron Mountain Top. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing of a switch result in unique sound experiences when typing on these switches. The nylon bottom housing of each switch impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. This showcases the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on them. While both the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron Mountain Top share nylon bottom housing, their distinct top housing materials - polycarbonate and nylon, respectively - result in different sound profiles. The Light Tactile offers a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Mountain Top provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Understanding the impact of housing materials on typing sound and feel can help users choose switches that best suit their preferences for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight. The Light Tactile switch has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy in comparison to the Mountain Top switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a lighter option. The Light Tactile switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the Mountain Top switch offers a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches deliver different tactile feedback based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals who have preferences for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Light Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance, making it suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for a quicker response time. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference for key press depth. Overall, the Light Tactile provides a longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top, offering a more substantial key press sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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, both the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron Mountain Top switches fall under the descriptor of neutral. This means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them versatile options suitable for various typing environments. It's essential to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Light Tactile is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is characterized as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. These attributes provide a lively yet comfortable typing feel, with responsive feedback and minimal finger fatigue. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback and actuation force.
Overall, while the Durock Light Tactile and Gateron Mountain Top switches have their unique characteristics in sound and feel, they both aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a gentle tactility with a jelly-like sound or a bouncy yet easy-to-press switch with a subdued sound profile, these switches cater to a wide range of typing preferences. Depending on your personal preferences and typing environment, you can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and performance from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a gentle and smooth typing experience with a jelly-like sound, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you need a switch that is easy to press, bouncy, and provides a subtle and quiet typing experience for office environments, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be more suitable. Consider your typing preferences and environment when deciding between these two switches to ensure you choose the one that best fits your needs. Ultimately, both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
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