Gateron Mars vs. KTT MoonRosa
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the KTT MoonRosa switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and KTT MoonRosa represent two distinctive options within the linear switch category, each offering unique characteristics for different typing preferences. The Gateron Mars switches are notable for their innovative design, incorporating a POK stem along with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which contributes to their durability and responsiveness. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa stands out with its all-POM construction, delivering a buttery smooth typing experience and a neutral sound signature, making it ideal for users who appreciate a quieter, yet satisfying keystroke. While the Mars may appeal to those seeking a more firm and dynamic feel, the MoonRosa is perfect for those who prioritize softness and ease of use. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the KTT MoonRosa switches, it's evident that their constituent materials contribute distinct qualities to their sound profiles and overall performance. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer, more absorptive properties. This characteristic allows the nylon to dampen sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience while typing. Conversely, the KTT MoonRosa utilizes a POM top housing, which is similarly effective at producing a pleasing sound profile but leans toward a unique, muted quality. The POM material, while also softer than many traditional plastics, contributes to sound damping in a way that offers a slightly different aural character compared to the Mars's nylon.
Both switches share POM as their bottom housing material, which uniformly delivers a deeper and more subdued sound profile. This commonality indicates that regardless of the top housing material, the bottom-out sound and feel will exhibit similarities between the two switches. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the tactile and acoustic response upon bottoming out, users can expect both switches to provide a satisfying auditory experience during that crucial moment of keypress. Here, the impact of POM material ensures that the MoonRosa and Mars deliver muted and rich sound, creating a cohesive experience in terms of how they perform at the base of a keystroke.
Though the Gateron Mars and KTT MoonRosa differ in their top housing materials, the integration of POM in both switches’ bottoms means that they can yield similar sound profiles and tactile feedback during typing. The contrasting top materials—nylon for the Mars and POM for the MoonRosa—result in differences during key release, as the nylon will impart a deeper, rounder sound upon lifting off the key, while the POM will contribute a unique and equally satisfying closure to the typing experience. In essence, while the switches present different auditory characteristics due to their top materials, the shared POM bottom housing ensures that they harmonize well overall, allowing for a similar acoustic experience when bottoming out.
Weight
The Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting user experience based on personal preferences. The Mars switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the MoonRosa features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the MoonRosa is generally easier to press, making it a better choice for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Mars switch provides a heavier actuation force, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. When considering the bottom out force, the Mars switch does not have a specified value available, while the MoonRosa has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating a firmer feel upon bottoming out. Overall, while the Mars switch is heavier for actuation, the MoonRosa offers a lighter touch for both actuation and bottoming out, catering to different user preferences in a typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch, it's evident that the Mars has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MoonRosa measures 3.5 mm. This subtle difference in travel distance may influence the tactile experience for users. Specifically, those who favor a more responsive feel might lean towards the MoonRosa due to its shorter travel, as shorter distances often deliver faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. Conversely, the Mars switch, with its longer travel distance, could appeal to individuals who prefer a more pronounced sensation when typing, offering a deeper keypress that some users might find more satisfying. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Mars offers a slightly deeper experience compared to the more rapid response of the MoonRosa.
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 MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 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 has a unique sound profile that is primarily influenced by its POK stem and blend of Nylon and POM materials. However, the specific sound characteristics of the Mars switch have not been detailed. In contrast, the KTT MoonRosa switch is recognized for its low-pitched sound signature, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This makes the MoonRosa a quieter option, likely appealing to those who prefer less auditory distraction during typing. Since the sound of any switch can also be affected by the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps, both switches could deliver similar auditory experiences if used in comparable setups.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switch presents a tactile experience that is not thoroughly defined, leaving some of its physical sensations open to interpretation. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa excels in providing a mild typing experience coupled with an easy-to-press action. This makes the MoonRosa switches approachable for users who prefer a gentle typing feel, with minimal resistance needed for activation, thus enhancing comfort and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The overall sensation offered by the MoonRosa is user-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of typists.
In summary, while the Gateron Mars switch’s distinctive sound profile is yet to be characterized, the KTT MoonRosa offers a low-pitched auditory experience that is mellow and pleasing. The MoonRosa also provides a mild and easy-to-press feel, accommodating comfort during extended use. Without definitive descriptions for the Mars's sound and feel, it leaves some uncertainty regarding direct comparisons. However, the overall typing experience could be tailored similarly with the right keyboard configuration, potentially yielding a satisfying performance for both switch types.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Mars and KTT MoonRosa linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you prioritize an exceptionally smooth typing experience paired with a light actuation force, the KTT MoonRosa is a fantastic option; its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it easy to press, reducing finger fatigue during lengthy typing sessions. This switch's mild characteristics and low-pitched sound signature provide a comfortable middle ground suitable for most users, especially if you appreciate a balanced and approachable feel. On the other hand, if you're drawn to innovative switch designs and materials, the Gateron Mars, with its unique POK stem and blended Nylon-POM housing, may appeal to you. While it may not have specific bottom-out force data available, Mars switches are engineered for performance and could offer a distinctive tactile experience that enthusiasts might enjoy. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—be it sound, feel, or the latest technology—before making your final decision on which switch will elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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