KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Mars both present unique offerings for typists and gamers alike, despite being categorized as linear switches. The Cream Yellow stands out with its notably clacky sound, achieved through a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem that creates satisfying auditory feedback, complemented by a bouncy typing feel thanks to its lengthened spring. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a lively and engaging keystroke experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches are recognized for their innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a housing composed of a blend of Nylon and POM, which enhances durability and smoothness during use. While the Mars may not boast the distinctive sound profile of the Cream Yellow, it offers a premium typing experience favored by users who prioritize stability and quiet operation. Both switches cater to different preferences, making them strong contenders depending on your typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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 Cream Yellow switches and the Gateron Mars switches exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, which significantly impact their auditory characteristics. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances the resonance of the sound produced when the key is pressed. In contrast, the Mars switches utilize nylon for their top housing, a material recognized for delivering a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches are designed to deliver satisfying acoustics, they do so through divergent material choices that cater to varied preferences in sound quality.
On the bottom housing front, both switches make use of different materials for contrasting effects, with the Cream Yellow utilizing nylon and the Mars featuring POM. The nylon bottom housing of the Cream Yellow contributes to a fuller bottom-out sound, allowing for a smoother and less harsh typing experience. Meanwhile, the POM bottom housing of the Mars is known for producing a unique yet muted sound profile, which complements the softer sound produced by the nylon top housing. This differentiation means that when bottoming out, the sound and feel of the switches will vary significantly, affecting overall user experience. Although both materials are created to enhance the sensation of typing, the impacts of nylon and POM lead to customized results in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the KTT Cream Yellow and Gateron Mars switches illustrates how diverse housing choices can influence the sensory output of mechanical keys. If one were to mix and match these switches, using the polycarbonate top from the KTT with the POM bottom from the Gateron, it could produce a unique auditory result that harnesses the sharp and clear qualities of polycarbonate while also integrating the muted, deeper tones of POM. Conversely, using a nylon top with a POM bottom could yield a rich and rounded sound akin to the Cream Yellow's overall profile. Therefore, while the switches differ fundamentally in housing materials, experimenting with combinations of polycarbonate and nylon could result in similarly captivating sound experiences, making them enjoyable for diverse typing preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow and Gateron Mars linear switches present a clear contrast in terms of weight and tactile feedback. The KTT Cream Yellow switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which positions it as a medium-weight switch, providing a balance between ease of use and a substantial typing experience. In comparison, the Gateron Mars switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions; however, its bottom out force remains unspecified. Consequently, while the KTT Cream Yellow offers a more robust feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, the Gateron Mars is better suited for those who prefer lighter switches for prolonged use. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that demands less effort per keystroke, the Mars would be the preferable choice, while the Cream Yellow caters to users who enjoy a firmer push-back during typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Cream Yellow measures 3.5 mm while the Mars has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cream Yellow offers a shorter distance, making it potentially more suitable for rapid key presses favored by gamers who seek quicker response times. On the other hand, the Mars, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Although both switches are close in their travel distances, their subtle differences cater to different preferences: the shorter Cream Yellow for those who prioritize speed and the longer Mars for users who appreciate a more defined actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow 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
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound profile, characterized by a crisp and sharp auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. Its design features a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, which contribute to a resonant sound that is bright and percussive with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Mars linear switch does not have a defined sound profile mentioned, making it harder to determine its unique auditory characteristics; however, it's important to note that the overall sound can vary widely depending on the keyboard setup, including the type of board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Cream Yellow stands out with its notable bouncy sensation. This switch offers a lively response due to its lengthened spring, providing an elastic feedback that enhances the typing experience with a rebound effect. Such a lively bounce can make typing feel more engaging, allowing users to feel each keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Mars switch remains undefined, which leaves potential users without any specific tactile reference for its operational characteristics.
In summary, while the KTT Cream Yellow switch excels in both sound and feel—offering a clacky auditory experience and a bouncy tactile sensation—the Gateron Mars switch lacks detailed descriptions in these areas, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. Those who prioritize sound and a lively feedback might lean towards the Cream Yellow, while the Mars could offer a different experience that is yet to be distinctly characterized. Ultimately, users seeking specific auditory and tactile traits should consider the KTT Cream Yellow for its defined qualities, while keeping the Gateron Mars in mind for a potentially unique—but currently undefined—experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the KTT Cream Yellow and Gateron Mars linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a distinctively clacky sound coupled with a bouncy typing experience, the Cream Yellow would be your ideal choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams strikes a balance between resistance and ease of use, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. The lively feedback can enhance your overall experience, especially if you value auditory and tactile responses. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers unique design features, such as the innovative POK stem and a hybrid housing material, you may prefer the Gateron Mars, though keep in mind that its detailed specifications, particularly regarding bottom-out force, are currently unavailable. This could indicate a level of uncertainty regarding its characteristics. Therefore, if sound and feel are priorities for you, the Cream Yellow will likely deliver the satisfaction you seek, while the Mars could cater more to those interested in experimenting with new switch designs. Consider your needs carefully to ensure you choose the switch that enhances your typing experience.
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