Gateron Mountain Top vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it's important to recognize their unique characteristics. The Mountain Top switch caters specifically to office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a light actuation. On the other hand, the Plum switch provides a hefty feel without a significant tactile bump, setting it apart from traditional tactile switches. While the Mountain Top switch is ideal for discreet and continuous typing in professional settings, the Plum switch offers a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference. 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
70g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Kailh Plum, it is clear that the Mountain Top uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Plum utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housing of the Mountain Top results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Plum's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature, while the nylon bottom housing still contributes to a deeper and rounder sound. This difference in housing materials leads to slightly contrasting sound profiles between the two switches.
However, it is important to note that both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing, which results in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on them. This commonality in housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when using either the Gateron Mountain Top or the Kailh Plum. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing provides a unifying factor in the overall sound profile of the switches.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice of housing material can affect not only the sound profile but also the tactile feedback that users experience when typing on the switch. Whether it's the softer nylon in the Mountain Top or the stiffer polycarbonate in the Plum, the housing materials contribute to the overall typing feel and sound of these mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it's clear that there is a significant difference between the two. The Gateron Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Kailh Plum has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. While the actuation force of the Kailh Plum is not specified, it is likely to be higher than that of the Gateron Mountain Top, making the Plum switch the heavier option between the two. Ultimately, the choice between a lighter or heavier switch comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, we find that the Mountain Top has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who prefer a more substantial keypress, the Plum with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth 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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25.
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 linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch have a neutral profile, making them suitable for various purposes and settings. This means that regardless of the switch you choose, you can expect a moderate sound output that is not overly loud or disturbing. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound quality produced by these switches.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing experience. These characteristics provide a unique typing sensation that is both responsive and comfortable, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch is described as mild and stepped, offering a more gentle typing experience with a unique two-stage tactile feedback. While the Plum switch may feel slightly different due to its stepped design, both switches provide a comfortable and approachable typing experience for most users.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While they may have some differences in their tactile feedback, both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Mountain Top and Plum switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the specific feel and sound profile you prefer during typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you need a quiet and discreet typing experience for professional settings, the Mountain Top with its bouncy and easy-to-press feel may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a stepped feel, the Plum may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile, as both switches offer versatile options for a range of typing experiences.
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