KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two compelling options emerge: the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Mars. The Ash Gray is celebrated for its tactile feedback, offering a substantial yet unobtrusive response that enhances typing precision without being overly intrusive. Its design delivers a delightful blend of tactile sensation, striking a balance between comfort and crisp actuation. This makes the Ash Gray an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a light yet reassuring feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars offers a smooth linear experience, engineered with a unique POK stem and a durable housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM. This combination results in a silky-smooth actuation that many gamers and typists prefer for its seamless keypresses, free from any tactile interruptions. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you favor the pronounced tactile feedback of the Ash Gray or the effortless glide of the Mars. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Mars switches differ significantly in their choice of housing materials, which ultimately affects the auditory experience when typing. The KTT Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which is well-known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This characteristic is particularly beneficial when it comes to RGB lighting; the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the light's visibility through the switch, creating a vibrant aesthetic appeal. Conversely, the Gateron Mars is equipped with a nylon top housing, which offers a more muted and rounder sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs sound, resulting in a typing experience that feels fuller yet less piercing.
In terms of bottom housings, both switches again take different approaches that further separate their acoustic characteristics. The KTT Ash Gray employs a nylon bottom housing, well-regarded for its ability to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile through effective sound absorption. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its bottom housing, which is known for producing a uniquely pleasing yet muted sound. The housing's material significantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound, with POM contributing a softer landing compared to nylon. Consequently, while both the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Mars feature nylon in their constructions, their respective combinations of top and bottom materials lead to distinctly different sound experiences.
When using the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Mars switches, the contrasting materials lead to varied auditory profiles and tactile experiences when typing. The polycarbonate top of the Ash Gray contributes to a sharp, resonant sound upon release, which may be more enjoyable for those who prefer a lively typing feel. In comparison, the Gateron Mars, with its nylon top, offers a rounder sound that promotes a more muted experience. Both switches, however, also utilize nylon at the bottom, which can produce a similar depth to their sound under certain conditions. In essence, while their compositional differences create disparities in auditory detail, the overlapping use of nylon helps to deliver certain foundational audio characteristics, allowing users to appreciate both switches’ unique qualities while still experiencing notable similarities.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, notable differences are apparent. The Ash Gray features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, which is advantageous during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Mars has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel with each keystroke. The bottom out force for the Gateron Mars is not provided, whereas the Ash Gray has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while users of the Ash Gray will experience a defined resistance when bottoming out, the Mars's bottoming out characteristics remain unknown. Overall, the KTT Ash Gray is lighter, making it suitable for prolonged use, while the Gateron Mars offers a heavier touch for users who prefer a firmer keypress.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we find that the Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mars boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Ash Gray would be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper keystroke, the Gateron Mars might be more appealing. While both switches provide a relatively similar experience, the Mars offers a marginally more traditional feel with its longer travel distance. If you're seeking that quick response time favored by gamers, the KTT Ash Gray's shorter distance might suit you better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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, the KTT Ash Gray switch presents a balanced auditory profile that falls into the neutral category. This means that it provides a moderate sound level during key presses, making it versatile enough for various environments, whether you're working at home or in a quieter office setting. Unfortunately, information regarding the sound profile of the Gateron Mars switch is unavailable, which leaves a gap in understanding how it may compare in this aspect. However, due to the Ash Gray's adaptable nature, users looking for a muted yet pleasing sound experience may find satisfaction with this switch.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray is defined by its easy-to-press nature, which allows for gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal effort to actuate. This results in a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue, especially during long sessions. Additionally, the mild feedback provided ensures that the tactile sensation is noticeable but not overwhelming, striking a perfect balance for various typing preferences. The details surrounding the feel of the Gateron Mars switch are currently unknown, leaving potential users with some uncertainty about its tactile experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is characterized by its neutral sound, easy-to-press feel, and mild feedback, making it an excellent choice for a variety of typing tasks. Comparatively, the Gateron Mars switch remains a bit of a mystery without further information on its sound and feel attributes. However, both switches are crafted for different preferences, and while the Ash Gray may offer a well-rounded experience, users of the Mars may find unique qualities of their own that cater to their individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences and intended use. If you appreciate tactile feedback that isn’t overly pronounced, the Ash Gray is a great option for you. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams makes it effortless to press, enhancing your typing experience without causing finger fatigue during long sessions. This switch is well-suited for both home and office environments due to its neutral sound profile, ensuring it won’t be distracting. On the other hand, if you're inclined towards a smooth and linear feel without the tactile bump, the Gateron Mars might capture your interest. Although specific force characteristics aren't provided, linear switches generally deliver a seamless keystroke experience, which can be appealing for gaming or fast-paced typing. Ultimately, consider the type of feedback you prefer and how that aligns with your typing style to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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