Jerrzi Orange vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Orange and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two excellent options to consider are the Jerrzi Orange and Gateron Mars switches. The Jerrzi Orange switches are celebrated for their clacky nature and lightweight feel, providing a lively typing experience with a crisp audible feedback that caters to enthusiasts who thrive on a responsive and vibrant touch. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches offer a unique design featuring a POK stem and a hybrid housing made from Nylon and POM, promising durability and smooth keystrokes. While the Orange delivers a fun and engaging tactile sensation, the Mars focuses on innovative design and a more refined typing experience. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Orange and the Gateron Mars switches, a noticeable distinction emerges between their top housings. The Jerrzi Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer structure, which fosters a crisper auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars employs a nylon top housing, which lends itself to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This difference arises because nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches provide unique sound profiles, they cater to different preferences, with the Orange appealing to those seeking brightness and clarity and the Mars attracting those who enjoy a rounder, more subdued sound.
Turning to the bottom housing, both the Jerrzi Orange and Gateron Mars utilize nylon in their designs. This shared material results in an advantageous sound experience characteristic of decreased resonance and depth. As noted, nylon's ability to absorb sound helps create a duller and rounder auditory profile, making the bottom-out sound of both switches relatively similar. However, while the Orange has a nylon bottom housing combined with a polycarbonate top, the Mars contrasts this with a POM bottom housing, which offers a unique muted sound profile. The POM material tends to create an incredibly pleasing acoustic experience that leans towards a deeper sound quality, yet still remains softer than the sound produced by the Orange's polycarbonate upper.
In essence, the combination of different materials in the two switches leads to varied sound experiences and tactile responses. The Jerrzi Orange boasts the sharper auditory characteristics of polycarbonate in its top housing while still benefiting from the deeper, sound-absorbing properties of nylon on the bottom. Conversely, the Gateron Mars combines the fuller sound profile of nylon above with the unique characteristics of a POM housing below. This interplay of materials ensures that users can achieve varied auditory profiles depending on their preferences for typing sound and feel, highlighting how housing material affects the overall experience in mechanical switches. The differences highlight the importance of material choices in achieving desired results, allowing for a wide range of user experiences that cater to diverse typing styles and sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, significant differences are noted in their actuation forces. The Orange switch requires an actuation force of 37 grams, making it the lighter option, which can be beneficial for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial and firm feel while typing. Unfortunately, the bottom out forces for both switches remain unknown, leaving a gap in comparative information on their resistance when pressed all the way down. Overall, those who favor lighter switches might gravitate towards the Jerrzi Orange, while those seeking a stronger push feel would likely prefer the Gateron Mars.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Orange comes in at 3.7 mm, while the Mars measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This makes the Jerrzi Orange the longer switch by 0.1 mm. For gamers and those seeking quicker response times, the Gateron Mars may be the more appealing option due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster actuation. However, some users may find the increased depth of the Jerrzi Orange more satisfying, as it offers a more pronounced feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness versus tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 Jerrzi Orange linear switches are known for their clacky quality, offering a crisp and bright sound with each keystroke. This auditory feedback is engaging and adds a lively element to the typing experience, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a more dynamic acoustic profile. The sound can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, but the inherent character of the Orange switch leans towards a percussive and sharp auditory impression. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches do not have specific sound descriptors provided, leaving an unknown quality regarding their auditory feedback. The absence of detailed sound characteristics for the Mars means that a precise comparison cannot be made, which suggests they may either match or differ significantly from the notable clackiness of the Orange based on variations in material and design.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Orange switches excel with their feathery resistance and ease of activation. They require minimal force to press, significantly reducing finger fatigue, making them an excellent choice for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The responsive nature of the Orange's actuation feels light and effortless, enhancing overall comfort. Conversely, there is no available information regarding the feel of the Gateron Mars switches, leaving it unclear how they compare in terms of tactile feedback and actuation force. Without specific descriptors for the Mars, it's difficult to ascertain whether they provide a similarly effortless typing experience or a different sensation altogether.
In summary, while the Jerrzi Orange linear switches showcase distinct clacky auditory feedback and a feathery feel that promote a responsive and comfortable typing experience, the Gateron Mars switches present an unknown in terms of sound and feel qualities. This lack of information makes it challenging to compare the two directly, but the Orange switches are likely to cater to users who prioritize lively sound and minimal exertion, while the effect of the Mars switches remains a mystery for potential users. If you're considering a switch that emphasizes responsiveness and sound, the Orange may be the better choice until more information about the Mars is revealed.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, your decision should hinge on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and intended use. If you enjoy a lively and crispy typing experience with auditory feedback, the Jerrzi Orange switches would be an excellent choice. Their clacky nature and feathery feel make them perfect for those who spend long hours typing or gaming, as they require minimal force and are fun to use. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a unique design and enhanced durability without specific characteristics directly mentioned in terms of sound or feel, the Gateron Mars switches might suit you well. While they offer a different tactile experience, the lightweight design makes them still a viable option for extended use. Ultimately, your selection should align with what you value most in your typing experience, whether that be sound and responsiveness or comfort and uniqueness.
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