The Mountain Everest Max Mechanical Keyboard Review: Reaching New Heights in Build Quality
by E. Fylladitakis on November 17, 2021 10:45 AM EST- Posted in
- Peripherals
- Cherry MX
- Mechanical Keyboards
- Mountain
Per-Key Quality Testing
In order to test the quality and consistency of a keyboard, we are using a texture analyser that is programmed to measure and display the actuation force of the standard keyboard keys. By measuring the actuation force of every key, the quality and consistency of the keyboard can be quantified. It can also reveal design issues, such as the larger keys being far softer to press than the main keys of the keyboard. The actuation force is measured in Centinewton (cN). Some companies use another figure, gram-force (gf). The conversion formula is 1 cN = 1.02 gf (i.e. they are about the same). A high-quality keyboard should be as consistent as possible, with an average actuation force as near to the manufacturer's specs as possible and a disparity of less than ±10%. Greater differences are likely to be perceptible by users. It is worth noting that there is typically variance among keyboards, although most keyboard companies will try and maintain consistency - as with other reviews, we're testing our sample only.
The machine we use for our testing is accurate enough to provide readings with a resolution of 0.1 cN. For wider keys (e.g. Enter, Space Bar, etc.), the measurement is taking place at the center of the key, right above the switch. Note that large keys generally have a lower actuation force even if the actuation point is at the dead center of the key. This is natural, as the size and weight of the keycap reduce the required actuation force. For this reason, we do display the force required to actuate every key but we only use the results of the typically sized keys for our consistency calculations. Still, very low figures on medium-sized keys, such as the Shift and Enter keys reveal design issues and can easily be perceptible by the user.
We tested the Mountain Everest Max fully assembled as if we were testing a normal full-size mechanical keyboard. Since the keyboard is using Cherry’s original MX Red switches, the outcome of this testing was unsurprisingly predetermined – Cherry is known for their strict quality control and we consistently receive the same great performance results from testing keyboards using their switches.
The force disparity is below ±3%, reflecting the exceptional quality control we are used to receiving from keyboards with original Cherry MX switches. The average force at the actuation point (not the maximum pressure point) is at 43.6 cN, nearly perfect for a Cherry MX Red switch.
Hands-on Testing
I always try to use every keyboard that we review as my personal keyboard for at least a week. My typical weekly usage includes a lot of typing (about 100-150 pages), a few hours of gaming and some casual usage, such as internet browsing and messaging. I personally prefer Cherry MX Brown or similar (tactile) switches for such tasks, yet I do not find linear switches like the Cherry MX Red to be uncomfortable either. The lack of both tactile and audible actuation feedback may not be ideal for professional use but the Cherry MX Red switches of the Mountain Everest Max were very comfortable for long-term use. Despite its full-size keyboard shape, using the Everest Max did require a short learning curve, as the gap between the arrow/command keys and the rest of the keyboard is slightly narrower than that of a typical keyboard.
Gamers will be the ones to fully appreciate the layout and features of the Everest Max. The Cherry MX Red switches are very comfortable for long gaming sessions and the snappy modularity of the keyboard allows for the seamless removal of the Numpad every time more desk space is required for the mouse. Online gamers and streamers will appreciate the extra display keys, while advanced gamers will enjoy the flexibility of the Basecamp software. The only negative aspect that we found irritating was that we had to select the volume submenu on the display dial every time we needed to adjust the volume, as the display keeps resetting back to its main menu after a few seconds. We suspect that the company will soon remedy that with a firmware/software update.
Conclusion
Mountain is making a huge statement with the release of the Everest as their first keyboard, yet they are also taking a huge risk by reaching for the top with their very first attempt. Most newly founded companies, or even companies that attempt to diversify, usually try and take a piece from the largest segment of the relevant market, and only after that work their way up. Mountain took the entirely opposite approach with the release of the Everest Max, as the keyboard is aimed entirely towards hardcore enthusiasts that pay little attention to price tags, and who are the smallest segment of the peripherals market.
Undoubtedly, the company’s engineers placed a lot of effort into the design, materials, and manufacturing of the Everest Max. It is one of the most well-made keyboards that has ever found its way into our labs, with a flawless finish and very durable construction. Despite its modular design, the keyboard is exceptionally sturdy when fully assembled. We also have to take into account that this is the first keyboard we have tested that features original Cherry MX switches which can be removed/exchanged by the user. This makes the Everest Max practically unbreakable, as users can easily swap switches that may go bad from mistreatment and/or overuse. Our only complaint lies with the top surface of the rotating dial, which can be scratched a bit more easily than one would expect from a screen on such an expensive device.
As far as mechanical keyboards are concerned, unique features are rare nowadays, as the market is saturated with hundreds of products. None the less, Mountain managed to give the Everest Max a touch of uniqueness with the programmable display keys and the multifunctional rotating dial. The Basecamp software makes the Everest Max a very versatile keyboard, allowing users to customize its functionality and aesthetics to their every whim.
The Mountain Everest Max is a unique keyboard, unlike any other currently out in the market. However, its $199 retail price is several times that of a more basic keyboard, a fact that will definitely drive most users away. The Everest Max is a keyboard meant for the elite – users that want to have an excellent, unique keyboard unlike any other and are willing to pay a grand price tag for it. Although the $119 Core version of the Everest is nearly half the price as the Max, the Core is not really competitive as a stand-alone tenkeyless form mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Everest Max may be very expensive but it does have many unique features that could draw the attention of users who are seeking a well-built keyobard that is way above the norm.
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meacupla - Wednesday, November 17, 2021 - link
I offer a counter argument for the price of this keyboard.The only other keyboard in production, with a numpad you can place on the left, is Asus Claymore 2. Arguably, Asus Claymore 2 has wireless, but you get more customization and functionality with Everest Max.
$200 could even be a bargain, compared to top end keyboards from Logitech, Corsair, and Razer.
(although, if you ask me, those top end keyboards from Logitech, Corsair, and Razer, are way overpriced anyways)
Software that works, as in it's fully functional, and not in alpha or beta, is also a huge selling point compared to other manufacturers of mechanical keyboards.
philehidiot - Friday, November 19, 2021 - link
I'm in the market for a new keyboard as my 2013 Razor model with Cherry blues is starting to fail. Having seen the price tag of $200 I was going "oooh, yes!" as it fits all of my needs and I am a nerd. In the UK, this is £320. That's getting towards the $360 mark. I'm willing to spend on peripherals as the HID is one of the most important aspects of a PC. If you can't use it efficiently, you're handicapped before you started. But £320! My current keyboard was £120 and that was a lot of cash.cjb110 - Friday, November 26, 2021 - link
Can recommend the Corsair mechanicals, my K98 has been serving me really well.melgross - Wednesday, November 17, 2021 - link
That circular “decorative” pattern on the top is unappealing because it’s not a decorative pattern. It’s simply the machining marks left from an end mill bit when making the mold for, or machining each aluminum top, that wasn’t removed before anodizing or painting. It’s a rather cheap way of leaving the surface. It’s also a poor finish from an end mill. It could have been better.drexnx - Wednesday, November 17, 2021 - link
the "badness" of the finish makes it clear it was there intentionally as a stylistic choice.glad to see keyboards with screens coming back! I held on to my 1st gen G15 for over a decade because there wasn't anything out that could match the functionality
Integr8d - Wednesday, November 17, 2021 - link
It could go either way. They may just have not wanted to put the money into having a nice finish and thought they could sell it as 'decorative'. Just looking at it, especially at the edges, that's not decorative. That's just an end mill hogging out some metal... But to call it 'decorative'? That's like saying the orange peel on a $99 Maaco paint job is a 'feature'.twtech - Thursday, November 18, 2021 - link
It's a high-end piece. It wouldn't have cost much more to sand and/or sandblast the top prior to anodizing if they were so inclined.boozed - Wednesday, November 17, 2021 - link
This kind of "aesthetic toolmarks" has become a scourge in some industries. Bicycle components, for example, where they seem to use ball endmills for everything even if it increases the machine time because it "looks cool" (hint: it doesn't).ceeb285 - Thursday, November 18, 2021 - link
Yes, because you've clearly programmed every one of these components and personally saw them doing all the roughing with a ball... not to mention for deep oblique pockets on a 5 axis like with bike stems that balls are actually faster for roughing too... You also know balls are commonly used for proper finishing on a 5 axis right?twtech - Thursday, November 18, 2021 - link
I agree - I think they were asking, "How can we make it clear this is machined aluminum?""How about we leave the cutter marks - that should do it."