TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a critical role in shaping your typing and gaming experience. The TTC Bluish White switch is celebrated for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience characterized by a snappy sound profile that many users find engaging and enjoyable. It appeals to those who appreciate a bit of a bump with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists seeking immersive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch offers a smooth, linear experience, thanks to its innovative design featuring a POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM. This switch is often preferred by gamers and users who prefer a clean, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile response hindering their speed. While the Bluish White caters to those who enjoy a tactile sensation, the Gateron Mars is ideal for users focused on swift and seamless typing. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White switch and the Gateron Mars switch, significant differences emerge, particularly in the materials used for their top housings. The TTC Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is crucial for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing, as polycarbonate's stiffness allows sound waves to resonate more clearly. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing that is inherently softer, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nylon tends to absorb sound, leading to a more muted typing experience that may appeal to users who favor a more subdued auditory response.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, creating interesting parallels between the two models despite their contrasting top housings. The TTC Bluish White's nylon bottom contributes to a rounder sound profile, echoing the characteristics seen in the Gateron Mars, which also employs nylon for its bottom housing. This shared material invites a more similar tactile experience when keystrokes are bottomed out, with both switches delivering a satisfying feel thanks to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. In this manner, users can expect a consistent typing sensation that balances out the distinct auditory profiles of the two switches, creating a cohesive experience across the board.
Overall, the divergence in top housing materials means that the true sound and feel of each switch will manifest differently when pressed. As the top housing influences the sound profile upon release, the polycarbonate of the Bluish White will offer a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the more muted characteristics of the Gateron Mars's nylon top. However, the deeper, rounded sound created by the nylon bottoms in both switches will provide a common auditory experience when both switches are bottomed out. Therefore, even with differing top materials, the overall typing experience can yield similarities in sound and feel due to the shared nylon in the bottom housings, leading to enjoyable results for users who may choose either switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Bluish White features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which makes it a great choice for those who prefer effortless typing during long sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Mars has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, making it difficult to fully compare the tactile experience with the Bluish White's 50 grams. While users looking for a lighter switch will find the Bluish White more suitable, those who prefer a bit more resistance should lean towards the Gateron Mars, provided they find its bottom out characteristics acceptable. Therefore, in terms of actuation force, the Bluish White is the lighter option, while the Mars is heavier, although the absence of the bottom out force data for the Mars creates some ambiguity in the comparison.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mars linear switch has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Bluish White the shorter option, allowing for a more responsive feel that gamers might prefer for faster reaction times. However, the Mars, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who favor a more substantial feedback and depth when pressing the key. Both switches fall within the context of modern preferences, where shorter distances are gaining popularity, but they differ just slightly, enabling users to choose based on their tactile preferences. Ultimately, if you're looking for a quicker response, the Bluish White is your best bet, while the Mars offers a more traditional feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switches stand out with their low-pitched auditory profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that contributes to a satisfying typing ambiance. This snappy sound profile is ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic response while typing. In contrast, specific sound characteristics of the Gateron Mars linear switch are not provided, leaving an unknown in this comparison. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch can vary based on the keyboard build, including the choice of backplate and keycap materials, so users might find their results influenced by these factors regardless of the switch type.
In terms of feel, the Bluish White switch boasts a complex tactile experience, characterized by its buttery smoothness, mild resistance, and stepped tactility, resulting in a typing experience that feels refined yet approachable. The combination of these qualities ensures that each keystroke is both effortless and satisfying, appealing to typists who value precision in their input. The subtle nature of the switch makes it suitable for shared environments, as it offers a gentle typing feel without excessive noise. Meanwhile, the tactile characteristics of the Mars switch remain unknown, leading to a lack of comparative insight regarding its feel. This leaves potential users without a clear understanding of how it might perform in practice.
In conclusion, while the TTC Bluish White switch offers a well-defined auditory and tactile experience with its low-pitched sound and buttery, yet mild feel, the Gateron Mars switch lacks available information in these areas, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. If overall sound and feel are critical in your decision-making process, the Bluish White will provide a consistent, satisfying experience, whereas the Mars remains a wildcard with unknown qualities that may suit different preferences or usages.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a more tactile experience that provides audible feedback, the Bluish White is an excellent choice. Its light 50-gram bottom-out force combined with a low-pitched sound and a variety of tactile characteristics — including buttery, mild, and subtle sensations — makes it well-suited for typists who crave a satisfying, poppy experience with a gentle resistance. It’s especially beneficial if you’re in a shared space where a quieter sound profile is important. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps, the Gateron Mars switch would be the better fit. Even though we don't have the bottom-out force specified, this switch features innovative materials that contribute to a fluid typing experience, perfect for gamers or those who type rapidly and prioritize speed over feedback. In essence, if you seek tactile feedback and a sound profile, go for the TTC Bluish White; if you prefer seamless, linear action, the Gateron Mars is your best bet.
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