Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a landscape rich in variety, particularly when comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Mars switches, both of which are linear in nature. The Ink Yellow is renowned for its shorter travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a typing experience that strikes a balance between the familiar feel of a laptop and the tactile feedback of a standard mechanical keyboard. Its smooth and mildly clacky action offers a unique typing sensation that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches introduce a unique design with their POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, which may provide an innovative touch to users who appreciate a more specialized switch composition. While both switches offer linear characteristics, your choice may ultimately depend on personal preferences for travel, feel, and sound. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Mars switches each utilize distinct housing materials that impart unique auditory qualities to their performance. The Ink Yellow employs a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, characterized by a pointed sound profile that delivers a satisfying clack when pressed. This high-pitched sound is indicative of the blend's hard plastic composition, designed to enhance the switch's auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes nylon for the top housing and POM for the bottom housing. Nylon traditionally creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, yielding a softer auditory experience when typing. Therefore, while both switches offer enjoyable sounds, their auditory characteristics diverge significantly due to their differing housing materials.
The distinct nature of the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing reinforces its high-pitched sound, creating an overall auditory experience that is sharper and more pronounced. Meanwhile, the Mars's POM bottom housing contributes to a muted and deeper sound profile, reflecting its softer composition. When pressed, the Ink Yellow's sound characteristics rely heavily on the high-pitched performance provided by both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistently clacky experience. In contrast, the Mars switch offers a dual-layered approach to sound, where the nylon top absorbs and softens the auditory feedback, while the POM bottom dampens it further, creating a rounded sound signature that is distinctly different yet equally pleasing.
Ultimately, the materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Ink Yellow and Mars switches create a unique blend of sound profiles and tactile experiences for the user. Although the Ink Yellow maintains a consistent high-pitched character throughout both housings, the Mars benefits from a more diverse sound profile that strikes a balance between deep and muted tones. If a user is looking for a more clacky experience, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend offers that sonic satisfaction; conversely, those seeking a more rounded and deeper sound might prefer the Mars switch. Therefore, while both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping their auditory identities.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Ink Yellow features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy option. This means it requires a moderate amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, while a heavier force is needed to bottom out, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch is lighter, with an actuation force of only 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. This lighter force can facilitate longer typing sessions, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort over the tactile feedback of heavier options. Since the bottom out force for the Mars is unspecified, we cannot compare that aspect directly, but the overall preference for lighter switches like the Mars implies a more effortless keystroke experience compared to the heavier Ink Yellow. Those who enjoy a lighter feel would favor the Mars, while those seeking more resistance would be inclined towards the Ink Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Ink Yellow having a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mars extends a bit further at 3.6 mm. This means that the Ink Yellow offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers and users who prefer rapid key presses and quicker response times. Conversely, the Gateron Mars, with its longer travel distance, might be more suitable for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke and a more pronounced tactile feedback, as it travels an additional 0.1 mm. These subtle differences can significantly influence user experience, depending on individual preferences for responsiveness or a more robust feel in their typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow switch exhibits a unique combination of neutrality and clackiness, making it versatile for a range of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Its crisp and bright characteristics lend a pleasing auditory experience while typing, showcasing a well-balanced profile that will suit both beginners and experienced users alike. However, the Gateron Mars switch does not provide specific sound characteristics, leaving its acoustic performance somewhat ambiguous. The overall sound experience of any switch is also contingent upon other variables, such as the choice of keyboard frame and keycap materials, so results may vary between the two switches.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow is characterized by a mild and polished typing experience. This means that the switch offers a gentle touch, making it easy and approachable for different users, while the polished nature provides a smooth key travel that reduces friction. This creates a sophisticated and refined typing sensation that enhances overall comfort. Conversely, details about the feel of the Gateron Mars switch are not specified, leaving potential users without insight into its tactile qualities. As such, the comparison of feel between the two switches is predicated solely on the Ink Yellow's established characteristics.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Yellow switch clearly demonstrates well-defined qualities in both sound and feel—offering a smooth, mild, and clacky experience—the Gateron Mars switch lacks detailed information in these aspects, creating uncertainty for potential users. For those looking for a balanced typing experience, the Ink Yellow stands out as a strong choice, while the Mars switch’s characteristics remain unknown, suggesting that users might want to explore firsthand to determine their preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch that provides a typing experience akin to a blend of a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow is an excellent option. Its pleasantly smooth and clacky nature makes it versatile for various environments, whether you're gaming, coding, or typing up documents at home or work. Additionally, if you enjoy a slight auditory feedback with the clackiness and appreciate a polished feel, then this switch will likely welcome your hands nicely. On the other hand, if you are drawn to innovative designs and prioritize a unique tactile experience, the Gateron Mars switch may be more appealing, particularly if you’re looking to experiment with different switch characteristics. While specific sound and feel details for the Mars are not provided, its materials suggest a distinctive typing experience that may offer something fresh for enthusiasts. Thus, assess your priorities for comfort, sound, and typing feedback to decide which switch aligns best with your needs before making a choice.
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