TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal linear switch for a mechanical keyboard, the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Mars offer intriguing options that cater to different preferences and needs. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its impressive rapid responsiveness, featuring a shortened travel distance that provides a satisfying, solid bottom-out with each keystroke. This precision translates into a smooth typing experience, complemented by a low-pitched sound signature that adds a subtle resonance to your inputs. On the other hand, Gateron Mars switches boast an innovative design, incorporating a POK stem and a housing made from a unique blend of Nylon and POM, which enhances durability and provides a distinct tactile experience. While the Gold Silver excels in speed and fluidity, the Mars is an appealing choice for those seeking a switch that combines quality materials with reliable performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 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
NPI
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Mars switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Gold Silver employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer composition that yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucency, offering an aesthetically pleasing element for custom keyboard enthusiasts. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience, diverging significantly from the clear resonance of polycarbonate.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches employ nylon for the Gold Silver and POM for the Mars, though they also exhibit distinct sound profiles. The Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing continues the tradition of deep sound production, further contributing to a more full-bodied auditory experience. Conversely, the Mars's POM bottom housing is noted for creating a unique and pleasing sound profile, which is also on the deeper side but tends to feel more muted than that of nylon. Given the different sound absorption capabilities of these materials, one can expect the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback to vary, with the nylon offering a softer sensation compared to the more nuanced response offered by POM.
Ultimately, the combination of these two switches results in a distinct user experience due to the varied properties of their respective materials. While the TTC Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a bright, clear auditory response, its nylon bottom seeks to balance that with deeper tones. The Gateron Mars, with its nylon top and POM bottom, leans into a more muted and rounded sound profile overall. Thus, the qualities of each housing material play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches, and although a careful selection of materials can yield similar results, the inherent characteristics of polycarbonate, nylon, and POM create an undeniable contrast in their acoustic signatures.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch share an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, making them equally responsive for typists and gamers alike. However, both switches lack specified bottom out forces, meaning that we cannot compare this particular aspect directly. Since their actuation forces are identical, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the initial keystroke pressure required. In terms of weight preference, the equal actuation force suggests that users who favor lighter switches for prolonged use or gaming sessions will find both the Gold Silver and Mars switches suitable for their needs. Conversely, those who prefer a heavier push feel to enhance their typing experience might not find any distinction between the two based on the available data.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Gold Silver offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mars features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gold Silver the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars, with its longer travel distance, provides a more traditional and perhaps more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer deeper key presses. Although the difference in travel distance is only 0.1 mm, it could influence the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch, catering to varying preferences in typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 Gold Silver switch is characterized by its thocky and low-pitched tonal qualities. With each keystroke, it produces a deep and satisfying sound reminiscent of a gentle thud, offering a rich audio experience that can be particularly enjoyable during extended typing sessions. This switch strikes a balance, maintaining a neutral volume level that makes it suitable for both home and office environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch does not have a defined sound profile detailed at this time, so it remains uncertain how it might compare in auditory qualities to the Gold Silver.
In terms of feel, the Gold Silver switch provides a polished and silky typing experience, resulting in a smooth and refined key travel that minimizes resistance. It also has a mild and subtle character, making it approachable for various users, whether they're experienced typists or newcomers. The smoothness in the typing experience is often enhanced by materials and potentially factory lubing, which contribute to an overall pleasant feeling. Conversely, there is no specific information available regarding the tactile feel of the Gateron Mars switch, leaving its characteristics unknown.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch stands out for its notable sound and superior feel, the Gateron Mars switch's qualities remain uncertain in both these categories. The Gold Silver excels in delivering a harmonious blend of auditory and tactile satisfaction, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a well-rounded mechanical switch. If the Gateron Mars switch were to exhibit similar qualities, one could expect it to provide a satisfying experience, though further insight into its sound and feel is necessary for a complete comparison. Overall, the TTC Gold Silver is a strong contender for those seeking responsive and enjoyable keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and use cases. If you value rapid responsiveness and a smooth, tugging-free keystroke, the TTC Gold Silver is the way to go. Its thocky sound profile and polished feel make it ideal for both gaming and general typing, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience that can enhance your productivity and enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a unique design with innovative materials, or if you are looking for something that potentially provides a different typing experience, the Gateron Mars may suit your needs better. However, while the specific feel and sound traits of the Mars are less detailed here, its distinct nylon and POM housing suggests a solid quality that many users appreciate. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize the swift precision of the TTC Gold Silver or seek the innovative touch of the Gateron Mars in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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