Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is important to consider the specific characteristics and purposes of each. The Gateron Mountain Top switch is tailored for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience that is ideal for professional settings. With a comfortably light actuation and a subdued sound signature, this switch is designed for continuous typing without causing disruptions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch lacks specific categorizations, leaving its attributes open to interpretation. While both switches are linear in design, the Gateron Mountain Top is bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, neutral, snappy, and subtle, making it a popular choice for those seeking discretion in their typing experience. 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Silent Yellow both have different top housing materials, with the Mountain Top featuring a nylon top housing and the Silent Yellow featuring a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Mountain Top provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffness, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. This difference in top housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches, making them suitable for different preferences.
While the bottom housing of both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Silent Yellow is made of nylon, they share similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its softness and sound-absorbing properties. This similarity in bottom housing materials results in a consistent typing experience when it comes to the sound and feel of pressing down on the switches. Despite having different top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users will still get a similar typing experience in terms of sound and overall feel.
In switches where the top and bottom housings are different, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on a switch with different top and bottom housings will result in feeling the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction can make a significant difference in the overall typing experience, as the combination of different housing materials in a switch can result in a unique sound and feel that caters to individual preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch. The Mountain Top requires 40 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Yellow needs 65 grams to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Mountain Top for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Yellow for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mountain Top offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow provides a more substantial key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a deeper actuation. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, catering to the preferences of different users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10.
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 Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a quiet typing experience with a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments, including office settings. The switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, with a mild typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. The keys have a subtle resistance and a snappy response, enhancing the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, information on the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is not available, but based on the characteristics of the Gateron Mountain Top switch, it can be assumed that the Silent Yellow switch may also offer a quiet typing experience with a light actuation force. However, without specific details on sound and feel, it is challenging to provide a direct comparison between the two switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is ideal for those seeking a discreet and comfortable typing experience in professional environments. Its balanced sound profile and gentle feel make it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. If the Outemu Silent Yellow switch offers similar qualities, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing needs when choosing between the two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you are looking for a switch tailored for professional settings that offers a quiet typing experience with a light actuation force, the Gateron Mountain Top switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are not concerned about sound levels, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or a heavier actuation feel.
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