Gateron Mars vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and KTT Mint switches present intriguing options, each with its own unique characteristics. Gateron Mars switches are celebrated for their innovative design that merges a POK stem with a housing composed of a blend of Nylon and POM, providing a distinct typing experience. In contrast, KTT Mint switches are known for their satisfyingly smooth performance, enhanced by a long pole stem that delivers a distinctive poppy thockiness with each keystroke, offering a light and fleeting typing feel. While the Mars switch caters to users who might prioritize a unique construction and a balanced response, the Mint appeals to those who appreciate a polished, low-pitched experience with a pronounced acoustic feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the KTT Mint switches, we see a distinct contrast between their respective top housings. The Mars utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio profile when typing. This softness allows the nylon to dampen vibrations, producing a rounder sound that many users find pleasing. In contrast, the Mint features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its rigidity. This stiffer material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, giving an overall crisper tactile feedback. If one were to use these switches in a keyboard equipped with RGB lighting, the transparency of the polycarbonate top housing would enhance the visual experience, while the nylon top of the Mars would not provide the same aesthetic effect.
Looking at the bottom housings reveals a different story, as both the Gateron Mars and the KTT Mint bridges a gap in material selection. The Mars switches incorporate a POM bottom housing, which brings a rich, muted sound profile, adding a unique depth to the overall typing experience. Meanwhile, the Mint's bottom housing, made of nylon, offers a similar sound character with its ability to absorb sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. Despite being different materials, both the POM and nylon contribute toward delivering a rich sound, albeit with nuanced differences that can appeal to different user preferences.
When taken together, the combinations of these materials in both switches highlight how sound profiles can vary significantly based on the interaction of top and bottom housings. The impact of the bottom housing material becomes evident when a user presses down on the switch, as it influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material predominantly affects the sound produced when the key is released. Therefore, while the Mars emphasizes a muted, full-bodied sound with its unique combination of nylon and POM, the Mint’s polycarbonate top and nylon bottom create a more pronounced, crisper auditory experience, showcasing how different housing materials can produce varying yet complementary results in keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience a similar feeling when it comes to triggering a keystroke, making either switch suitable for those who appreciate a consistent typing experience. However, the KTT Mint features a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that it requires a stronger push to bottom out compared to the Gateron Mars, for which the bottom out force is unavailable. This discrepancy means that the KTT Mint offers a heavier feel, providing a more substantial typing experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance. In contrast, since the Mars does not have a specified bottom out force, it could be assumed to offer a lighter overall experience, making it potentially better suited for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where less strain may be preferable. Thus, those looking for a lighter switch may lean towards the Gateron Mars, while those who favor a more tactile and heavier feel should opt for the KTT Mint.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars and KTT Mint linear switches, we find that the Gateron Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mint boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This slight difference indicates that the KTT Mint may provide a more pronounced key press experience, which could be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Mars switch can lead to faster response times, making it an appealing choice for gamers who value rapid key actuation. Ultimately, those who prefer a more responsive switch might lean towards the Mars, while users looking for a fuller depth in their keystrokes would likely prefer the KTT Mint.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Mars switch has not been explicitly described, making it challenging to compare directly. However, the KTT Mint switch showcases a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched characteristic adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a softer auditory experience than higher-pitched switches. The neutral aspect indicates a moderate actuation force and sound output, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office. Ultimately, while the sound qualities of the Mars remain unclear, the Mint offers a balanced sound that will cater to most users.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mars switch is not explicitly described; thus, we cannot outline its tactile characteristics. Conversely, the KTT Mint switch provides a mild yet polished typing experience. The mild profile offers a gentle touch that is approachable to nearly all users, which can be particularly comforting for beginners. Meanwhile, the polished quality ensures a smooth and refined interaction due to reduced friction in key travel—a pleasant benefit of the materials used and potential factory lubing. Without clear details on the Mars feel, the Mint stands out in providing a gentle and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, while the subjective qualities of the Gateron Mars switch remain largely unspecified, the KTT Mint switch offers a low-pitched, neutral sound and a feel that is mild and polished. If you're seeking a switch that provides a balanced auditory experience along with a gentle and smooth typing sensation, the KTT Mint is a commendable option. Until more detailed comparisons can be made regarding the Mars, users may find similar results with Mints—especially if they value a subtler typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars and KTT Mint linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall experience. If you favor a smooth and innovative design with a unique POK stem construction, along with a potentially quieter typing experience, the Gateron Mars might be the right choice for you, especially if you're seeking an otherworldly typing sensation. However, if you appreciate a more balanced and polished typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound profile, the KTT Mint is likely to be more to your liking, especially for extended typing sessions where comfort and a light, fleeting feel are important. With the Mint’s moderate bottom out force, it can provide that ideal blend of tactile response and gentleness, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming. Ultimately, consider your typing style and environment: the Mars may suit those looking for a unique tactile experience, while the Mint caters to those who seek an approachable, universally accommodating option.
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