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Gateron Mars vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)

An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) represent two distinct yet captivating options for typists and gamers alike. The Gateron Mars, a linear switch, boasts an innovative design that integrates a POK stem with a durable housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, providing a smooth keypress without any tactile resistance. This makes the Mars an ideal choice for those who prefer a fluid typing experience, such as gamers who require quick and uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is a tactile switch renowned for its pronounced tactile feedback, featuring a strong downstroke bump that culminates in a sharp and resonant sound profile. With a unique combination of PBT materials, these switches deliver not only a satisfying tactile response but also an impactful typing experience that can enhance productivity. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth linear action or a sharp, tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

50g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Bottom-out force

67g

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

PBT

Bottom housing material

POM

Bottom housing material

PBT

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm double-staged spring

Spring

Gold-plated

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches present distinct characteristics that influence their overall sound profiles. The Mars switch features a nylon top housing that promotes a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. Nylon's ability to absorb vibrations contributes to a rounder and less sharp acoustics, making it particularly appealing for users looking for a rich typing experience. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes a PBT top housing, which is known for offering a more neutral sound profile. This material does not overly emphasize crispness or dullness, providing a balanced auditory feedback that might appeal to those who prefer an understated typing experience. The differing materials in the top housing suggest that users will experience a marked contrast in sound character between the two switches when they release a key.

Looking at the bottom housings, the Gateron Mars employs POM, known for its capacity to produce a unique and deeper sound profile that remains relatively muted, adding a distinct character to the typing experience. This can result in a pleasant auditory sensation as users bottom out each keypress, emphasizing the deeper tonal qualities of the switch. Conversely, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT bottom housing that echoes its top counterpart, maintaining the similarly neutral sound profile. Like the top housing, the PBT bottom does not impose sharpness or surface-level nuances. This congruence across the bottom housing suggests that while both switches have a neutral bottom-out sound, the Gateron Mars might still have a quieter and rounder feel compared to the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch.

In summary, the Gateron Mars and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches demonstrate how varying housing materials can shape the typing experience. The Mars’ nylon top provides a fuller, more pronounced sound profile, while the POM bottom enhances the rich auditory output as keys are bottomed out. Meanwhile, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade)’s PBT materials offer a more balanced sound without drastic highs or lows. Users choosing between these two switches will find that although they each utilize different materials, they still provide unique yet comparable experiences, especially when considering the balance between the top and bottom housing functionalities. If users are searching for more pronounced or muted experiences, these distinctions will guide them in making an informed choice based on personal preferences for sound and feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch to the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces emerge. The Gateron Mars features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option suitable for users who prefer less resistance when typing or gaming for extended periods. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, catering to those who enjoy a firmer push and a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, while the bottom out force is unknown for the Gateron Mars, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a bottom out force of 67 grams, further emphasizing its medium-heavy resistance. Therefore, for users seeking a lighter switch, the Gateron Mars is the preferable choice, whereas those desiring a heavier feel should opt for the Moyu Black (Dark Jade).

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, it becomes clear that the Mars offers a shorter distance at 3.6 mm, while the Moyu Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference can significantly influence the typing experience; the Mars switch may provide a slightly quicker response, appealing to gamers or those who prioritize responsiveness. In contrast, the Moyu Black, with its greater travel distance, may cater to users who appreciate a more substantial feel and depth in their keystrokes. Consequently, if someone prefers a more abrupt action with faster response times, the Gateron Mars would be the better choice, while those seeking a more tactile and immersive experience might opt for the Everglide Moyu Black.

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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.

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

The sound profile of the Gateron Mars switch remains unspecified in the provided information, which leaves a gap in details that could help inform a comparison. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is noted for its resonant sound production, characterized by a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp auditory experience. This quality allows for an immersive typing sound that can enhance the tactile experience of using these switches. Therefore, while the Mars's sound cannot be directly compared, one could anticipate a potentially quieter typing experience with the Mars since linear switches generally do not produce the pronounced sounds often associated with tactile switches like the Moyu Black.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mars's tactile characteristics remain unspecified, making it difficult to make a direct comparison to the Moyu Black (Dark Jade). The Moyu Black, however, is defined by its sharp, accented tactile feedback that provides a distinct and prominent tactile bump. Its medium-heavy feel contributes to the overall typing experience, especially with its accentuated downstroke and strong upstroke sensations, resulting in a hyertactile quality. If the Mars is a linear switch, its smoothness may stand in contrast to the tactile "snappiness" of the Moyu Black, appealing to those who enjoy a more fluid keypress versus the pronounced tactile response.

In summary, without specific details on the Gateron Mars's sound and feel, it’s challenging to draw definitive contrasts with the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). The Moyu's resonant sound and sharp tactile feedback present a compelling option for users seeking a defined auditory and haptic experience. If one values a quieter or smoother typing experience, the Mars might be more suitable, but those inclined toward tactile sensations and satisfying sound profiles will likely appreciate the Moyu Black's unique attributes. Each option caters to different preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, making them worth considering based on individual typing style and auditory preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're a fan of a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and you enjoy a more quiet and subtle typing experience, the Gateron Mars is likely your best bet. Its design promises a unique and effortless feel that is great for fast-paced gaming or activities where precise key presses are essential. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that provides a prominent tactile feedback along with a satisfying audible response, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is the superior choice. Its sharp, pronounced bump and resonant sound profile can enhance your overall typing experience, making it feel more engaging and dynamic, especially for typing enthusiasts who appreciate tactile sensations. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard and the immersive experiences you seek, as these factors will guide you in selecting the switch that aligns with your preferences.

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