Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Mars

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of tactile versus linear options, and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Gateron Mars each cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, recognized for its gentle tactile bump, offers an economical yet high-quality typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy feedback without being overwhelmed. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal to your setup. Conversely, the Gateron Mars, with its innovative POK stem and durable Nylon and POM housing, presents a smooth linear experience ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize swift keypresses and silence over tactile interruptions. While the Brown switch provides auditory feedback and a mild sensation that can enhance typing accuracy, the Mars switch's seamless actuation allows for rapid inputs, making it favorable for competitive play. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

Gateron Mars Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Mars switches showcase distinctive materials in their housings, leading to varied auditory experiences and tactile feedback. The G Pro 3.0 Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, ideal for users wanting a bright sound when typing. In contrast, the Mars features a nylon top housing that delivers a deeper, fuller sound, attributing its characteristics to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound. This divergence in sound profiles makes a noticeable difference in overall typing experience, as users of the G Pro 3.0 Brown may appreciate the crispness, while Mars users may find comfort in a warmer tone.

The bottoms of the switches in question further illustrate their different sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Brown's nylon bottom housing echoes the properties of its top housing, as it fosters that same rich and deep auditory experience, enhancing the overall user interaction. Meanwhile, the Mars switch employs a POM bottom housing that contributes to a unique and muted sound profile. POM is recognized for offering a softer feel, producing a sound that lacks the pronounced sharpness found in polycarbonate bottoms. Consequently, when pressed, the different combinations of upper and lower housing materials create distinct sound signatures. This contrast means that when bottoming out, users of the G Pro 3.0 Brown will hear and feel the deeper impact of its nylon bottom, whereas the Mars switch renders a more smoothed-out sound due to its POM material.

Despite these differences, there are shared characteristics inherent to both switches that can yield similar overall typing results. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown complements its sharper polycarbonate top, leading to a balanced acoustic experience overall. Similarly, the Mars's combination of nylon and POM provides a cohesive sound profile that offsets the softer elements of the nylon top. Both housing configurations affect the switches’ sound upon key release and bottoming out, thus ensuring that users can enjoy a rich auditory feedback, albeit achieved through different materials and acoustic properties. Ultimately, for those who appreciate varied sound profiles—whether that means the G Pro 3.0’s crispness or the Mars's fullness—these switches can deliver gratifying results depending on the user's preferences in typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, it’s clear that they cater to different typing preferences, particularly in terms of actuation force. The G Pro 3.0 Brown requires an actuation force of 55 grams, with a bottom out force of 63 grams, indicating a medium resistance that offers a balanced tactile experience. In contrast, the Mars switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press down, which can benefit those who type or game for extended periods. However, the bottom out force for the Mars is unknown, leaving a gap in comparison for that metric. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the heavier switch, suited for users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, while the Mars is lighter, appealing to those seeking a less strenuous keystroke. If both switches had the same bottom out force, users could expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience, but the current disparity in actuation forces suggests a distinct preference based on individual typing style.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mars switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more traditional and deeper key press experience, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more tactile feedback and a hearty depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Mars switch caters to users who might favor quicker response times, as its shorter travel distance may lead to faster actuation, beneficial for gaming enthusiasts. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Mars switch would be a suitable option; however, if you enjoy a more substantial key press, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the way to go.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profiles of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Mars switches, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is known for its medium-high pitch, providing thoughtful auditory feedback that can add an enjoyable layer to the typing experience. This sound can be quite satisfying, especially in a gaming or creative environment where auditory cues play a role. On the other hand, the specific auditory characteristics of the Mars switch are currently unknown, which makes it challenging to draw direct comparisons in this regard. However, it's important to remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycap material, which adds additional variables to consider.

In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers an appealing tactile experience with notable descriptors such as "easy-to-press," emphasizing a gentle actuation force that makes the switches comfortable for extended typing sessions. The mild, stepped tactile feedback allows users to experience a slight bump without overwhelming sensations, creating a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the physical feel of the Mars switch remains unspecified at this time, which may leave potential users wondering about the tactile response they can expect from it. If the Mars switches possess qualities similar to other linear switches, one might anticipate a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump or noticeable resistance.

In conclusion, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a distinctive auditory feedback and a gentle tactile experience that caters well to users seeking a balance between performance and comfort, the Gateron Mars switch leaves some unknowns regarding both sound and feel. Therefore, a user may find a delightful typing experience with the G Pro 3.0 Brown, while the Mars switch might require further exploration and testing to gauge its capabilities fully. Sound and feel are highly subjective, and if users prioritize specific traits in their mechanical switches, they may want to consider trying both to find their personal preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, when selecting between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, your choice largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a tactile feel that signals when a key is actuated without being overly loud or disruptive, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent choice. Its mild tactile feedback, alongside a medium bottom-out force of 63 grams, makes it ideal for typing tasks where you want to maintain a connection to your fingers' actions while minimizing fatigue during long sessions. On the other hand, if you seek an ultra-smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, the Gateron Mars linear switch may better serve your needs. This switch focuses on providing a seamless and fluid typing experience, which can be particularly beneficial for gaming or rapid typing without interruption from physical feedback. Given that the Mars switch's actuation force is not specified, you may want to test it for your preferred resistance. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you favor a balance between tactile feedback and quiet operation with the G Pro 3.0 Browns, or the uninterrupted flow and smoothness of the Mars linear switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more