Gateron Mars vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options from Gateron are the Mars and the Mountain Top, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Gateron Mars switches are celebrated for their innovative design that combines a POK stem with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, offering users a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. This makes them an excellent choice for gamers and typists who crave speed and consistency. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are engineered with a focus on office environments, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. With their comfortably light actuation and subtle sound signature, they balance the need for discreet operation with user comfort, making them ideal for professional settings where noise reduction is key. Both switches have their strengths, appealing to different types of users; 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
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 housing materials of the Gateron Mars and Gateron Mountain Top switches exhibit similarities and differences that significantly influence the typing experience. Both switches feature a nylon top housing, which is highly regarded for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's relatively softer texture, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both switches benefit from a rounded sound profile, enhancing the overall auditory experience while typing. The consistency in using nylon for the top housing means that, in terms of sound when a key is released, users can expect similar auditory satisfaction from both switch types.
Contrarily, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, contributing to their unique sound and feel profiles. The Mars employs a POM bottom housing, known for producing a muted and deeply satisfying sound. This material adds a distinctive quality to the bottom-out experience, making each keystroke feel notably different than that of the Mountain Top. In contrast, the Mountain Top uses a nylon bottom housing, which, while still contributing to a deep sound profile, may not provide the same level of muting and unique tonal quality as the POM. This distinction implies that while the top housings will yield a similar sound on release, the overall impact of each switch will diverge based on the feel and sound profile presented by the different bottom materials.
Ultimately, the differences in the bottom housing materials define the tactile experience between the Mars and Mountain Top switches. The Mars, with its POM bottom, will offer a sound profile that is notably deeper and more muted, ideally suited for users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the Mountain Top's nylon bottom housing will still produce a rich sound but might lack the same unique depth that POM provides. Therefore, while users can expect similar results in terms of sound during the release due to the shared nylon top housing, the bottom-out experience will be distinctly influenced by the contrasting properties of the bottom materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, a distinct difference emerges in their actuation forces. The Mars switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 40 grams, making the Mountain Top the lighter option. However, details about the Mars switch's bottom out force are not available, whereas the Mountain Top has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which adds a tactile aspect to the typing experience, indicating a more substantial resistance when fully pressed down. This means that, while the Mars switch may not indicate how it feels at the bottom, users of the Mountain Top can expect a lighter initial press but a firmer finish. For those who prefer a lighter switch to enhance comfort during prolonged typing or gaming, the Mountain Top is the better choice, whereas users who appreciate a stronger push may find themselves drawn to the Mars despite its incomplete data on bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, the Mars switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mountain Top switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Mars switch offers a more substantial travel depth, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress experience. In contrast, the Mountain Top's shorter travel may cater to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, ultimately providing a more abrupt actuation. While both switches are designed to enhance typing and gaming experiences, the choice between them hinges on personal preference; if you prefer a hearty depth with greater tactile feedback, the Mars would be the preferable option, whereas the Mountain Top is likely better suited for those who favor fast, responsive key presses.
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 Mountain Top 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 offers an undefined auditory experience, which leaves some curiosity around how it will perform in various settings. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are specifically engineered to provide a neutral sound profile, striking a balance that makes them versatile for both home and office use. This means that while the Mars may present an unknown characteristic in sound, the Mountain Top assures users of a moderate profile that supports a quiet yet noticeable typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switch lacks a defined description, leaving its tactile response and typing experience open to interpretation. However, the Mountain Top switches are characterized by a range of appealing tactile sensations: they are bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that enhances the liveliness of each keystroke. With an easy-to-press mechanism, minimal actuation force is needed, which makes them comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, their mild and subtle characteristics offer a gentle resistance, making them approachable for users of all experience levels while still being responsive, which is further complemented by a snappy feedback that adds a dynamic quality to the typing experience.
In summary, while the Gateron Mars switch leaves some aspects regarding sound and feel uncertain, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch presents a well-rounded package tailored for office environments. Users opting for the Mountain Top will enjoy a versatile sound signature and a rich tactile experience that minimizes finger fatigue, making typing a pleasant endeavor. If you are looking for consistency in sound and feel, the Mountain Top is a reliable choice, whereas the Mars invites exploration and potential surprises in its yet-to-be-defined characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer unique characteristics suitable for different typing scenarios and user preferences. If you value innovative design and experience a key feel that encapsulates the joy of typing with every stroke, the Gateron Mars is the perfect choice; its unique POK stem and materials create a distinct typing experience that lacks a pronounced bottom-out force, making each keystroke feel almost effortless. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced bounce and lively feedback while typing, contributing to both fun and responsive interactions, although specific details about sound are omitted. On the other hand, if you're seeking a quieter and more subdued typing experience, especially in professional or shared environments, the Gateron Mountain Top should be your go-to. With a modest 50-gram bottom out force, its bouncy yet muted profile provides easy actuation while minimizing noise, making it well-suited for office use. Whether your focus is on a lively and innovative typing feel or a discrete and comfortable office-friendly experience, these switches cater to your specific needs, helping you make an informed choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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