Gateron Mars vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch you select can dramatically influence your typing experience. The Gateron Mars is a linear switch celebrated for its innovative design and smooth keystrokes, thanks to its unique POK stem and housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM. These characteristics make the Mars an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer seamless and uninterrupted key presses, providing a fluidity that enhances performance. In contrast, the KTT Matcha offers a tactile experience, characterized by its snappy feedback and comfortable feel. This switch, with its long pole stem, provides tactile feedback that enhances typing accuracy, along with a pleasing, clean sound at the bottom of the stroke. For those who enjoy the sensation of a pronounced tactile bump and a nice auditory response, the Matcha could be a perfect match. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and KTT Matcha switches, distinct differences can be noted in both the top and bottom housings. The Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition contributes to a more muted acoustic experience, giving users a satisfying typing feel characterized by a rounder sound. Conversely, the KTT Matcha incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. This stiffer material not only enhances the clarity of each keystroke but also vibrantly captures the luminosity of RGB lighting due to its inherent translucency.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a further contrast between these two switches. The Gateron Mars features a POM bottom housing, known for delivering a unique and muted sound profile that complements the softer nylon top. The deep, subdued tones produced by the POM housing enhance the overall tactile experience. In stark contrast, the KTT Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a clear and resonant sound signature akin to its top housing. The rigid characteristics of polycarbonate ensure that key presses generate brighter auditory feedback, providing a more pronounced sound when the keys bottom out.
When both the top and bottom housings are considered, it becomes evident that each material contributes uniquely to the overall typing experience. In the case of the Mars, the nylon top paired with the POM bottom creates a cohesive, sound-dampening effect, resulting in a smoother auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Matcha’s entirely polycarbonate construction heightens clarity and resonance, producing a more vibrant sound profile. Thus, while the distinct materials yield different acoustic qualities, they also exemplify how variations in housing can influence the typing sensation and sound signature experienced during use. If users seek that similar auditory depth in the Matcha, they may mitigate some of the sharper nuances by choosing specific switch lubes or modifying their typing techniques.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are notable differences that cater to different typing preferences. The Mars switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it slightly heavier than the Matcha’s actuation force of 40 grams. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions, the Matcha is the better choice. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Mars switch is unknown, while the Matcha has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which can provide a more definitive tactile feedback when pressing the key down completely. If the bottom out force of the Mars were known and matched the Matcha's, both switches would yield similar experiences at full depression. Ultimately, users seeking a substantial typing experience may lean towards the Mars, while those wanting a lighter feel might opt for the Matcha.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, we find that the Mars has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Matcha offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel lengths means that users who favor a more responsive experience may prefer the Mars, as shorter travel distances can facilitate quicker key presses, enhancing gaming performance. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha, with its greater travel distance, might be more appealing for those who appreciate a deeper feel while typing, providing a more pronounced tactile experience. Thus, the shorter Mars suits gamers looking for speed, whereas the longer Matcha may attract typists who enjoy a more substantial key press.
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 KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 Mars switch's characteristics are not specified, leaving it open to interpretation based on its unique POK stem and nylon-POM housing. However, the KTT Matcha switch has a distinctly clacky sound profile, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive audio feedback when pressed. This acoustic quality makes the Matcha an appealing choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing, whereas the sound profile of the Mars remains unknown, which may require further exploration to truly understand its acoustic signature.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switch lacks a detailed description, leaving its tactile experience somewhat ambiguous. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch offers a well-defined tactile feedback characterized as stepped and snappy. This means that the Matcha provides a mild but noticeable bump during its actuation, making it a comfortable and responsive option for typists. The Matcha also harbors an accented tactility, striking a balance between being prominent without overwhelming the user. Additionally, it is described as feathery, necessitating minimal exertion to press the keys, which can reduce finger fatigue during extensive typing. Overall, the Matcha switch's tactile feedback is designed to enhance the typing experience, while the Mars remains elusive in comparison.
In conclusion, if you're drawn to a sharp and lively auditory experience, the KTT Matcha switch may suit you best with its clacky sound profile. Meanwhile, the Gateron Mars switch's sound qualities and feel require further investigation, as they are not clearly defined. With the Matcha's diverse and well-rounded tactile sensations, you can expect a more engaging typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference, particularly if the unknown qualities of the Mars appeal to your curiosity and needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience with potentially lower resistance and are drawn to the characteristics of linear switches, the Mars is an excellent choice. Its innovative design makes it suitable for both casual typing and intense gaming sessions, as it provides a more fluid keystroke without any tactile bumps or auditory distractions. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the KTT Matcha switches are worth considering. They offer a snappy and clearly defined tactile response, providing a pleasant bump at actuation without overwhelming resistance. This can be particularly beneficial for those who type frequently or in collaborative settings, as their clacky sound profile is engaging yet not overly loud, making them suitable for shared environments. In summary, choose the Gateron Mars if you prefer a smooth linear feel, and opt for the KTT Matcha if you desire a satisfying tactile experience that balances comfort with feedback.
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