Bsun Hutt vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Hutt and Gateron Mars offer distinct experiences catering to different typing preferences. The Bsun Hutt, a tactile switch, is renowned for its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, providing users with a snappy and invigorating feel that enhances typing accuracy. Its balanced sound profile not only contributes to a satisfying auditory feedback but also ensures that each keystroke is both sharp and resonant, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars, a linear switch, boasts an innovative design featuring a POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM. This combination allows for a smooth and consistent keystroke without the tactile bump, making it an appealing option for gamers or those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Each switch has its unique strengths; the Hutt offers a dynamic and feedback-rich experience, while the Mars provides a sleek and uninterrupted flow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
49g
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
POK
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Mars are two mechanical switches that utilize different housing materials, specifically in their top housings. The Hutt employs polycarbonate for its top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This material contributes to a vibrant sound, making it ideal for users who prefer an auditory experience that emphasizes higher-pitched tones. In contrast, the Mars's top housing is made from nylon, a classic switch material acknowledged for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb more sound, leading to a rounder auditory profile that appeals to those who favor a more muted sound experience. As a result of these variations, users may notice distinctly different auditory signatures when typing on these switches, with the Hutt favoring clarity and brightness, while the Mars offers warmth and depth.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Mars feature different materials, which further shapes their respective sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Hutt's bottom housing is also made from nylon, sharing a characteristic found in its top housing by promoting a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This consistency reinforces the mellow qualities that users experience across the entire switch. Conversely, the Mars opts for a POM bottom housing, known for its unique acoustic qualities that produce a deeper yet relatively muted sound. The difference in material composition between the Hutt's nylon and the Mars's POM affects the overall feel and sound when bottoming out, making the experience when engaging the switch quite unique to each model.
Ultimately, while the Bsun Hutt and Gateron Mars use different top and bottom housings, the interplay between the materials results in a distinctive sound experience depending on the key press type. The Hutt's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom combine to enhance the clarity of sound during release while maintaining a rich audio response upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Mars blends a nylon top with a POM bottom, resulting in a sound profile that emphasizes warmth and softness across both dimensions of key engagement. Interestingly enough, if one sought a balance akin to these switches, utilizing both nylon for a fuller touch and polycarbonate for a crisper finish could yield similar attributes and potentially emulate the characteristics of these two distinct switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Hutt tactile switch to the Gateron Mars linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces. The Hutt features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, making it an appealing option for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Mars has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a firmer key press that may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a stronger feel. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, leaving a gap in comparison. Given these factors, the Hutt is the lighter option overall, while the Mars, with its higher actuation force, caters to those who appreciate a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Hutt features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mars has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Bsun Hutt the shorter option and the Gateron Mars the longer one. The difference between the two is minimal, just 0.1 mm, which means users can expect similar overall experiences when typing or gaming; however, for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Hutt might be the better choice. Conversely, users who enjoy a more pronounced depth may gravitate toward the Mars switch due to its longer travel distance, providing a fuller tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 sound profile of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is characterized as resonant, offering a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp auditory experience that contributes to an immersive typing atmosphere. This distinct sound can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing, making each keystroke feel impactful. In contrast, the Gateron Mars linear switch does not have a specific sound descriptor available, which leaves its acoustic characteristics less defined. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound produced by any switch will be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard plate, case materials, and keycap designs.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Hutt offers a range of tactile experiences that enhance typing engagement. It is snappy and invigorating, providing a responsive touch that makes key presses feel immediate and alive. The well-defined tactile bump is sharp and offers high feedback intensity, ensuring that users can distinctly feel each actuation. This makes it suitable for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile experience without it being overwhelming. The Gateron Mars switch lacks available information regarding its tactile feel, which leaves its performance and user experience open to speculation but may not offer the same level of feedback as the Hutt.
In summary, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch presents a compelling choice for those seeking a distinctive typing experience with both a pleasing sound and an invigorating tactile feel. The resonant sound profile and sharp feedback provide an immersive sensation that many typists find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars linear switch, while lacking defined characteristics for sound and feel, may appeal to users looking for a more straightforward key response. Ultimately, the Hutt will deliver a more pronounced experience in both sound and feel compared to what is known about the Mars, making it a stronger candidate for enthusiasts seeking a tactile keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a typing experience that balances responsiveness and tactile feedback, the Hutt switch is an excellent choice. Its light 49-gram bottom-out force combined with a pronounced tactile bump makes it ideal for those who appreciate a snappy and invigorating feel, creating an engaging and lively typing sensation. The resonant sound profile also adds an enjoyable auditory element, making it perfect for both casual typing and competitive gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, linear action with less emphasis on tactile feedback, the Gateron Mars switch may be more suited to your needs. Although specific details about the Mars switch's sound and tactile feel are not provided, its innovative design suggests a potentially unique typing experience that could appeal to gamers or those who type swiftly with minimal resistance. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value the tactile response and acoustic features of the Hutt or the smooth, uncomplicated nature of the Mars.
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