Gateron Mars vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, with the Gateron Mars and Gateron Mini i representing two distinct approaches to typing experiences. The Gateron Mars, a linear switch, boasts an innovative design featuring a POK stem and a unique blend of Nylon and POM in its housing, delivering a smooth keystroke that many typists enjoy for its consistency and fluidity. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers or anyone seeking uninterrupted and fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that offers a gentle tactile bump with each keystroke, creating a satisfying typing experience without the loud clacks typically associated with some tactile switches. Its lightweight construction and subtle sound profile make it particularly suited for office environments, where quiet professionalism is key. While both switches cater to different preferences—smooth and swift versus textured and refined—let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and Gateron Mini i switches both utilize nylon for their top housing, which sets a foundational similarity in their sound profiles. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound effectively due to its softer composition, which results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. With both switches employing this material, users can expect a muted, rounded sound when the key is pressed and released. This commonality indicates that regardless of the differences in their bottom housings, the top housing will contribute significantly to the overall sound characteristic, aligning their auditory experiences closely.
Contrasting the bottom housings, the Gateron Mars features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, whereas the Mini i incorporates nylon for this section as well. POM is known for its unique sound profile, which delivers a deeper and more muted auditory experience compared to the typical characteristics of nylon. The POM bottom housing enhances the overall acoustic properties of the Mars switch, likely leading to a softer and slightly richer sound during key presses. In contrast, the Mini i's nylon bottom housing maintains uniformity with its top housing's sound quality, thus producing a sound that may be more consistent but less distinctive than its counterpart.
When pressing down on either switch, the tactile feedback and sound produced will hinge on the combination of both top and bottom housings. The Mars's distinct POM bottom housing will infuse the switch with its specific tonal qualities, offering a unique experience when bottoming out. Conversely, the Mini i's use of nylon throughout will provide a cohesive auditory profile, as both the top and bottom contribute similarly rounded and deeper sounds. Hence, while the Mars might provide a slightly richer experience due to its differing lower housing, both switches effectively harness the sound-absorbing properties of nylon at the top, highlighting their sonic similarities despite the differences in their architectural components.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, a few distinct differences arise. The Mars switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Mini i's actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Mini i may offer a lighter typing experience, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use, while the Mars switch may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, making a direct comparison in that regard impossible. In contrast, the Mini i has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is categorized as light. As a result, if you are looking for a heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience, the Mars may be the better choice, while those seeking a lighter touch might gravitate towards the Mini i, especially considering its known bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mini i comes in at 3.4 mm. This makes the Mini i the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may be preferred by gamers for quicker key registration. On the other hand, the Mars, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial tactile experience, which might appeal to users who enjoy a deeper press and a sense of satisfaction when keying in. Thus, although both switches cater to different preferences—with the Mini i favoring speed and the Mars favoring depth—these differences in travel distance can significantly impact the typing experience for each user.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 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 Mars switch is not specifically described, indicating that its acoustic profile may vary depending on the keyboard build and the keycaps used. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i has a fairly muted sound profile, which makes it suitable for quieter environments like an office. This subdued sound, combined with a light tactility, allows for a typing experience that is professional and unobtrusive while still offering satisfying feedback.
In terms of feel, the Mars switch is unspecified, which may imply that users will need to explore and find out more through personal experience. Conversely, the Gateron Mini i switch boasts various engaged qualities such as a bouncy sensation, which provides an elastic feedback. It is characterized as easy-to-press, demanding minimal effort to activate, which leads to prolonged comfort when typing. Furthermore, the Mini i's mild demeanor ensures that it’s approachable for most users, while its subtle yet snappy feedback makes typing not only pleasurable but also engaging without being overwhelming.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mars switch leaves room for exploration in both sound and feel, the Gateron Mini i offers a comprehensible tactile experience with its lightweight resistance and muted sound, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions in shared spaces. Both switches cater to different preferences in auditory and tactile experiences; choosing between them will depend largely on whether you prioritize a known tactile touch or are open to discovering the characteristics of a more enigmatic switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing style and environment. If you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and enjoy a minimalist sound profile, the Mars switch is an excellent choice, particularly for gaming or general typing tasks where you value speed and fluidity. Its innovative design and lightweight feel make it suitable for extended typing sessions without the resistance that might lead to fatigue. On the other hand, if you're seeking a combination of tactile feedback and a more subdued auditory experience, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch would be more fitting. Its gentle tactility and snappy response make it ideal for office settings, where a quieter keyboard can enhance professionalism while still providing satisfying key presses. Ultimately, consider your specific needs—whether you're looking for a smooth linear experience or a tactile sensation—and choose accordingly to create a typing experience that enhances your productivity and comfort.
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