Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Red and Gateron Mars both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Jupiter Red is renowned for its smooth, uninterrupted keystroke due to its single-stage spring, providing a medium-heavy actuation that appeals to those who enjoy a seamless typing experience. Additionally, its polished, creamy, and silky feel makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize consistency and comfort. On the other hand, the innovative Gateron Mars switches feature a unique design with a POK stem and a housing blend of Nylon and POM, which can enhance durability and provide a distinct tactile feel. While both switches are linear and are designed for uninterrupted key presses, their construction and user experiences differ, appealing to diverse tastes in the mechanical keyboard community. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Spring steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and Gateron Mars switches, it's evident that there are distinct differences that play significant roles in their acoustic profiles and overall feel. The Gateron Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to the stiffness of the material. This characteristic not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound but also makes it particularly suitable for environments where RGB lighting is a factor, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through vividly. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is traditionally used in many switch designs. Nylon's softer composition results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thereby absorbing more sound and producing a rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference affects how users perceive the acoustics of each switch while typing.
Looking at the bottom housing of both switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red opts for a nylon material, echoing the Mars's choice of nylon and creating a consistency in their lower sound profiles. This shared nylon bottom construction contributes to a deeper, more muted sound, with a softer feel during bottom-out. Conversely, the Mars employs a POM material for its bottom housing, which is known for its unique sound characteristics. POM creates a muted yet pleasant sound profile that differs slightly from the velvety feel of nylon, indicating that even among softer materials, there can be nuanced differences in sound perception and tactile feedback. Thus, while there is a similarity in the top housing of both switches with respect to their sonic qualities, the bottom housings introduce distinct variations that enhance the overall typing experience.
In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Red and Mars switches embody contrasting acoustical and tactile properties primarily due to their varying top housing materials. The polycarbonate top of the Jupiter Red focuses on delivering a crisper, more resonant sound, while the nylon top of the Mars brings forth a softer, fuller auditory experience. At the same time, the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Red aligns with the sound-dampening properties of the Mars’s POM bottom, which creates a unique sonic character. Ultimately, the differences in both switches' housing materials ensure that while there are shared characteristics that yield some overlap in performance, typing on each switch presents an engagingly different experience.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Red and Gateron Mars linear switches present similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, making them equally responsive for typing or gaming. However, the significant difference arises with the bottom out force: the Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a more substantial feel when pressing the key fully down. In contrast, the Mars switch does not have a specified bottom out force, leaving an unknown aspect in that regard. Consequently, while both switches are differentiated by their bottom out feedback, the Jupiter Red is the heavier option due to its defined bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a more tactile experience. Meanwhile, with the Mars lacking this specification, it remains ambiguous and potentially lighter in feel, appealing to users favoring a less demanding keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option between the two switches, while the Gateron Mars linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly impact the feel of the switches during use; the Jupiter Red offers a more pronounced depth, which some users may find satisfying for tactile feedback, whereas the Mars, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prefer quicker, more responsive keystrokes, particularly appealing to gamers aiming for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference; if you favor a deeper, more substantial feel, the Jupiter Red may be the better fit, while the Mars could be preferable for those who enjoy a snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Jupiter Red linear switch presents a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement, making it versatile for both newcomers and seasoned users alike. This balanced auditory feedback suits a variety of environments, from home to office settings, ensuring minimal distraction while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch does not have a specific sound profile detailed, leaving the sound experience somewhat unknown. However, it’s important to note that the final sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red switches are celebrated for their polished, creamy, silky, and mild characteristics, resulting in a refined and enjoyable typing experience. Users can expect reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a luxurious sensation as their fingers glide effortlessly over the keys. The seamless transition through key presses enhances overall comfort, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. The Gateron Mars switch's feel has not been explicitly detailed, which means potential users may need to experience it firsthand to fully understand its typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a smooth and balanced typing experience, with a neutral sound profile and a highly regarded tactile feel. Although the sound and feel of the Mars switches remain undisclosed, those who prioritize similar qualities in ice-linear switches, like a smooth actuation, may find themselves content with either option. Ultimately, both switches cater to users looking for linear options, but the Jupiter Reds have the advantage of well-documented sensory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you're trying to decide between the Gateron Jupiter Red and Gateron Mars linear switches, consider your typing preferences and usage scenario. The Jupiter Red switch, with its medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams, offers a polished, creamy, and silky feel that is ideal for those who appreciate a smooth and consistent typing experience. It's perfect for both daily use and extended typing sessions, whether you're at work or gaming at home, and its neutral sound profile makes it a versatile choice for different environments. On the other hand, while specific characteristics of the Mars switch are less defined due to limited information, its unique design suggests it might cater to those seeking innovation and a distinct tactile experience. If you value cutting-edge engineering and are open to exploring new sensations in your typing experience, the Gateron Mars could be the switch for you. Overall, your choice should align with either the familiar smoothness of the Jupiter Red or the innovative allure of the Mars, depending on your personal taste and priorities.
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