Gateron Mars vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and Cherry MX Black both present unique advantages that cater to different typists and gamers alike. The Gateron Mars, with its innovative POK stem design and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, is celebrated for its smoothness and durability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a linear switch that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch boasts a time-tested reputation, enhanced by Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, which achieves a classic textured smoothness and a low-pitched sound profile that many users find satisfying. While the MX Black is known for its stiffness and substantial resistance, it’s great for gamers who appreciate a controlled tactile response. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing or gaming experience. However, 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and Cherry MX Black switches, we find that both utilize nylon for their top housing. This common choice of material contributes to a distinct typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it inherently absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, users of both switches can expect a sound profile that is duller and rounder, enhancing the overall acoustics during typing. This similarity in top housing material suggests that both switches will deliver comparable auditory feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience.
The primary difference between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The Gateron Mars features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, which allows for a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted, compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Cherry MX Black. While both switches share the nylon top housing, the POM material in the Mars’s bottom section brings its own characteristics to the mix. This means that when pressing down on the Mars switch, users will experience a sound and feel that’s influenced by the POM’s acoustics, as opposed to the softer nylon used in the MX Black's bottom housing, which may not provide the same level of sound dampening.
Ultimately, the interplay of these materials affects the overall typing sensation. With the Gateron Mars, the POM bottom housing contributes to a unique auditory experience, while the nylon top housing ties it to the familiar sound profile. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black's all-nylon construction, while still capable of delivering a full sound thanks to the nylon composition, lacks the distinct acoustic qualities provided by the POM. Thus, while both switches may deliver a satisfying typing feel and sound, the combination of nylon top with either nylon or POM bottom creates differing auditory experiences, demonstrating how the material choice affects the result in terms of both sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron Mars has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more comfortable for extended typing sessions, which could be beneficial for users who prioritize ease of use during long periods of typing or gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial push feel. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the Gateron Mars is unknown, the Cherry MX Black has a bottom out force of 80 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the key is fully pressed down. With this comparison, it is clear that the Gateron Mars is the lighter switch, whereas the Cherry MX Black offers a heavier feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mars linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Mars switch the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the MX Black’s travel distance aligns with the traditional 4.0 mm standard, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a deeper feel. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on user preference; if responsiveness is prioritized, the Mars switch would be the better choice, whereas those who value a hearty depth might gravitate towards the MX Black. Ultimately, your experience will vary based on your personal preference for travel distance.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
The sound profile of the Gateron Mars linear switch is not specifically described in the available information, which leaves it unknown for direct comparison. However, the Cherry MX Black switches are characterized by a low-pitched sound, which contributes to a deeper, bass-heavy tone that is often preferred by those who enjoy a more mellow auditory experience while typing. The sound produced by any switch is also influenced by the type of keyboard it is mounted on and the keycaps used, so users can potentially achieve a similar auditory result with the Mars depending on their setup.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Mars switch’s characteristics are not explicitly mentioned, so we cannot make a direct assessment. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switches are noted for their textured and stiff feel. This means users might experience a noticeable friction when pressing the keys, which provides feedback but may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, the stiffness requires a higher actuation force, making these switches ideal for users who prefer a more resistant and deliberate typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mars and Cherry MX Black switches offer different tactile experiences, the unknown qualities of the Mars switch make it difficult to provide a comprehensive comparison. The Cherry MX Black has a distinct low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff feel, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper tone and more resistance while typing. With the right setup, one might replicate a preferred sound profile with the Mars switches, but for those who value the specific characteristics of the MX Black, they offer a well-established option in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, the decision largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're someone who prefers a switch with a lighter feel that facilitates a quicker response—ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing—the Gateron Mars could be the better choice for you. Its innovative design, utilizing a POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM for the housing, may offer a unique touch that caters to your needs, particularly if you enjoy a smoother typing experience without the heavy resistance of a typical linear switch. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial key press and enjoy the tactile feedback that comes from a switch with a heavier bottom-out force, the Cherry MX Black is likely more suited to you. Its robust build and textured, low-pitched sound profile can enhance your typing experience, especially if you're looking for a switch that can handle heavier typing or gaming sessions without feeling too sensitive. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you value lightness and speed or prefer a firmer, more textured interaction with your keyboard. Make sure to try both types if possible, to determine which one aligns best with your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
