Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and Gateron Mars offer distinct experiences suited to different typing preferences. The Outemu Lime is celebrated for its lightweight feel and subtle tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a soft touch while still seeking a hint of tactile response. Its silenced design enhances the typing experience by reducing noise, perfect for both quiet office settings and late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Mars, with its innovative POK stem and durable Nylon and POM housing, provides a smooth and uninterrupted linear action that caters to gamers and typists who favor seamless key presses without any tactile resistance. While the Lime caters to those who enjoy a muted and polished tactile experience, the Mars is designed for those prioritizing fluidity and speed. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Outemu Lime and Gateron Mars switches, one notable similarity emerges in the choice of nylon for the top housing on both switches. Nylon is widely regarded as a classic switch housing material and is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This attribute is largely due to nylon's softer plastic nature, which serves to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is both rounder and more muted. Consequently, users of both the Lime and the Mars can expect similar auditory experiences when typing, as the nylon top housings contribute to a rich and satisfying sound signature that enhances the overall typing experience.
However, the bottom housings of the Outemu Lime and Gateron Mars switches introduce a contrast that affects their respective performance. The Lime utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which continues its commitment to sound absorption and warmth, contributing further to the deep sound profile established by the top housing. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a POM bottom housing, known for creating a distinct sound that tends toward a deeper, more muted quality. While both materials are aimed at enhancing the auditory experience, the POM's properties may offer a unique twist, potentially resulting in a slightly different tactile feedback and bottom-out sound when engaged, engaging switch users in a varied but similarly appealing acoustic landscape.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings in both switches illustrates how their materials affect not only sound but also the tactile sensation experienced when typing. The Lime’s uniform use of nylon throughout both the top and bottom housings establishes a consistent sound profile, while the combination of nylon and POM in the Mars suggests a nuanced fusion that could appeal to different user preferences. Regardless of these distinctions, typing on either switch is likely to yield satisfying results due to the quality of materials used, allowing both the Lime and Mars to deliver a pleasant and resonant sound, though each brings its own unique characteristics to the table.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch to the Gateron Mars linear switch, a notable difference lies in their actuation forces. The Lime requires a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a comfortable typing experience, especially during extended periods of use. In contrast, the Mars switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feedback while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch remains unknown, leaving a gap in understanding its overall resistance when fully pressed. On the other hand, the Lime's bottom out force is measured at 45 grams, indicating a consistent resistance when bottoming out. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter touch, the Outemu Lime is the preferable option, while the Gateron Mars is suited for those who favor a heavier feel in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we find that the Lime has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Mars offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if responsiveness is a priority for users—especially gamers—the Lime’s shorter travel distance may provide quicker feedback when pressing keys. Conversely, the Mars, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced feel and deeper actuation. Overall, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference, with the Lime being more suitable for those favoring speed and the Mars for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke experience.
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 Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 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 Outemu Lime tactile switch is characterized by its neutral and muted qualities. The neutral sound profile means that it is well-suited for various environments, making it versatile for both beginner and experienced users, whether at home or in an office setting. Its muted nature allows for a quieter typing experience, minimizing the typical clackiness associated with mechanical keyboards. While the Gateron Mars linear switch lacks detailed sound descriptors, it's important to note that sound can vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, so users could create a more subdued acoustics environment with it as well if carefully selected.
In terms of feel, the Lime switch presents a unique blend of mildness and feathery lightness. It offers a gentle typing experience that caters to a wide range of users, effectively reducing finger fatigue, making it a solid choice for extended typing or gaming sessions. The subtle resistance enhances the comfortable feel, while the polished nature of the switch suggests a smooth keypress that minimizes friction. Unfortunately, there is no detailed information available regarding the tactile characteristics of the Gateron Mars switch, which limits direct comparison in this area. However, the innovative design combining a POK stem with specialized housing materials potentially offers a unique typing experience as well.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lime tactile switch excels in providing a neutral, muted sound profile and a comfortable, feathery feel that appeals to a variety of users, especially those who favor tactile feedback without significant noise. Meanwhile, the Gateron Mars linear switch showcases promising design elements but lacks concrete details regarding sound and feel, making it less straightforward to evaluate in comparison. Overall, if you seek a whisper-quiet yet responsive typing experience, the Lime switch is a clear choice, while the Mars may still hold potential for those curious about its innovative build but seek to explore further.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that is both light and subtle, the Lime is an excellent choice, particularly for those who value a softer, muted sound and a feathery feel. These characteristics make it ideal for environments where noise control is a priority, such as shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke experience without any tactile bump, the Gateron Mars switch may better suit your needs, especially if you prioritize a linear feel for activities like fast-paced gaming or typing where quick actuation is essential. Additionally, while the Mars switch's unique design offers promise in terms of smoothness, the absence of detailed specifications can leave some room for uncertainty. Ultimately, align your choice with your typical keyboard usage patterns, whether that's for casual typing, gaming, or a mix of both, to ensure you get a switch that enhances your experience.
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