Gazzew LT vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the nuances between options to find the perfect fit for their typing style. The Gazzew LT and Gateron Mars switches, both linear in nature, provide distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gazzew LT, known for its alluring lilac hue and described as providing a "linear thock," delivers a deep, resonant sound with each keystroke, creating an auditory pleasure that many users find irresistible. Its smooth glide and "thocky" feel make it an excellent choice for those who value tactile feedback alongside auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, Gateron Mars switches stand out with their innovative design, which features a POK stem encased in a blend of Nylon and POM. This unique construction offers a more refined typing experience with a smoother actuation and reduced scratchiness, appealing to gamers and typists alike who prioritize consistency and speed. Both switches have their merits depending on user preference; 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Mars switches, one can observe notable distinctions that contribute to their respective acoustical profiles. The Gazzew LT employs a proprietary blend of plastic known colloquially as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings. This material is explicitly designed to be softer, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile, which enhances the auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing. Known for its classic credentials, nylon also offers a softer touch than harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while both switches prioritize the quality of sound, they feature different materials that affect the character of those sounds produced with varying ranges of depth and richness.
On the bottom housing front, the differences in materials are even more pronounced. The Gazzew LT continues to utilize its proprietary "boba plastic" for the bottom, which is meant to heighten the sound profile while retaining a rich and deep tone. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for its bottom housing. POM is lauded for producing a unique sound that is characterized as both muted and pleasing, contributing to a different auditory experience upon bottoming out. Here, it becomes clear that the Gazzew LT achieves its sound characteristics through a soft plastic throughout its housing, whereas the Mars benefits from a combination of nylon and a notably different plastic material that shapes the sound in varying directions.
In practical terms, the acoustics of both switches can lead to similar results despite their differing materials. For instance, while the Gazzew LT's all-boba construction ensures a consistent softness that impacts both the bottoming out and releasing sounds, the Gateron Mars’s dichotomy between the nylon top and POM bottom allows it to achieve a layered sound profile. The bottom housing strongly influences the bottom-out experience, while the unique nylon top will dominate the sound when keys are released. This factor means that, although the materials differ, both switches can deliver a rich auditory experience that may resonate similarly among users who appreciate deeper sound profiles, thanks to their softer qualities that absorb and dampen sound effectively.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The LT switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, but its actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the Mars switch has a measurable actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and potentially better suited for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Mars is unknown. For those who prefer a heavier feel, the Gazzew LT would be the more suitable option due to its higher bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Gateron Mars offers a lighter actuation feel, whereas the Gazzew LT provides a heavier overall weight with its defined bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the LT measures at 3.2 mm, while the Mars has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm highlights the preference for the LT switch among gamers and those looking for quicker response times, as the shorter distance can facilitate faster key presses. Conversely, the Mars's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel with deeper travel, which can provide a different tactile feedback that some gamers and typists appreciate. Overall, if rapid responsiveness is a priority, the Gazzew LT would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the Gateron Mars would cater to those who enjoy the more pronounced depth of a longer stroke.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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
The Gazzew LT linear switches produce a distinct auditory experience characterized by a deep, resonant thockiness. Their sound profile is bassy and low-pitched, which contributes to a rich and satisfying auditory feedback during keystrokes. The combination of the deeper frequency range and the thocky nature evokes the sensation of a luxurious thud or soft knock with each key press. On the other hand, details regarding the sound profile of the Gateron Mars switches are not specified, leaving a gap in comparative analysis. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound can vary based on the keyboard's construction and the specific keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew LT switches are designed to offer a seamless and smooth glide during typing, which enhances the overall experience by providing a fluid response with each press. This uninterrupted motion is crucial in achieving a pleasant typing rhythm. Unfortunately, there is no information detailing the tactile feel of the Gateron Mars switches, making it difficult to benchmark their performance against the LT in this regard.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switches stand out with their thocky and bass-heavy sound profile while providing a smooth and seamless typing feel. The Gateron Mars switches, while lacking specific sound and feel descriptors, present a unique design characterized by a POK stem and a Nylon-POM housing blend. If you prefer a deeper auditory experience with the LT, you may find similar results in terms of sound quality across various applications and setups. However, to fully appreciate this comparison, more information on the feel and sound of the Mars switches would be invaluable.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch should ultimately reflect your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a solid, tactile experience with a medium-heavy force of 65 grams and enjoy the deep, rich auditory feedback of a "thocky" sound signature, the LT is likely the better option for you. These switches not only deliver a satisfying auditory experience but also offer a smooth typing feel that enhances overall comfort during extended use. On the other hand, if you are curious about innovative switch designs and materials, and you want to explore unique options without focusing solely on auditory feedback, the Gateron Mars switches might intrigue you. Although specifics on the sound profile and feel of the Mars are not provided, their distinct POK stem design and durable housing material imply a different typing experience that may suit a variety of tastes. Therefore, consider what aspects of a switch you prioritize the most, whether it's sound, force, or innovative design, to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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