Gateron Mars vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Mars switch and the Cherry MX Brown switch. The Gateron Mars is a linear switch, renowned for its innovative design that combines a POK stem with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer quick, uninterrupted key presses. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch is a tactile switch characterized by its subtle feedback, offering a gentle bump during the key press, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more satisfying experience for users who enjoy a balance between smoothness and tactile response. While the Mars switch emphasizes speed and fluidity, the MX Brown caters to those who appreciate a nuanced sensation in their typing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Cherry MX Brown switches, both share a commonality in their top housing, which is made from nylon. The use of nylon as a top housing material in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, largely attributed to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. Consequently, this shared feature implies that users can expect a similar auditory result when engaging with either switch, particularly in terms of the sound produced during the key release.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches differ significantly. The Gateron Mars employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, which is known for creating a unique and pleasing sound that leans toward the deeper side while also being relatively muted. Conversely, the Cherry MX Brown switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, mirroring the top housing's properties to some extent. While the nylon bottom allows for a cohesive auditory profile, it doesn't carry the distinct sound qualities that POM provides. This difference plays a crucial role in defining the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials leads to a variance in the typing experience offered by the Gateron Mars and Cherry MX Brown switches. The shared nylon top housing ensures that the two switches generate a similar sound profile upon key release, while the POM bottom housing of the Mars provides a unique auditory characteristic that distinguishes it from the MX Brown. Therefore, while users can expect similar sounds from both switches during the act of releasing a key, the overall typing experience—including tactile feedback and sound when bottoming out—will be notably influenced by the differences in their bottom housings. This interplay between the materials used in the tops and bottoms of the switches highlights the importance of housing composition in crafting unique sound and feel profiles.
Weight
The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch exhibit interesting similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means that users will experience a similar effort when triggering a keystroke, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Mars switch is unknown, while the Cherry MX Brown features a bottom out force of 55 grams. This discrepancy indicates that when fully pressed down, the Cherry MX Brown requires a heavier force, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback upon bottoming out. Consequently, the Cherry MX Brown is the heavier switch, while the Gateron Mars can be considered lighter, depending on the unknown value for its bottom out force. Ultimately, if one prefers a lighter touch for extended use, the Gateron Mars may be the better choice, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Cherry MX Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, the Gateron Mars features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference implies that the Mars switch may offer a more responsive feel, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Cherry MX Brown, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feedback that some users appreciate for its depth. Therefore, if you prefer a switch that feels both responsive and gentle without abruptness, the Cherry MX Brown could be the better choice. In contrast, if quick actuation is your priority, the Gateron Mars would be more suitable.
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 Brown 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 switches remains unspecified, making it difficult to definitively compare it to the Cherry MX Brown's auditory characteristics. However, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer audio experience during key presses. This adds a unique auditory depth that many typists appreciate, striking a balance between being quiet enough for office use and satisfying for personal enjoyment. Consequently, if the Mars switches have a sound profile that aligns similarly, you might expect a balanced audio feedback, though this remains uncertain until specific sound qualities are identified.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mars switches do not have a defined sensation noted, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches are identified as textured, which means they provide a noticeable friction during key presses. This tactile quality can enhance typing feedback, making it more enjoyable and productive for some users who prefer a bit of resistance while typing. If the Mars switches possess a similar tactile feedback, typists may find them equally engaging, but this remains to be confirmed without more information.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Brown switches are characterized by their bassy sound and textured feel, the subjective qualities of the Gateron Mars switches remain unclear in both auditory and tactile aspects. If the Mars switches eventually show similar qualities, particularly in sound and feel, users can expect comparable experiences. Until then, the precise nature of the Mars switches' performance will remain an exciting mystery for newcomers to discover.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you value a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that allows for rapid typing without any tactile feedback, the Gateron Mars may be the ideal choice for you. Its innovative design provides a light and fluid typing experience, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers or those who type frequently without requiring distinct feedback for each key press. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit of tactile feedback to enhance your typing experience and prefer a richer sound profile, the Cherry MX Brown will likely suit you better. With its subtlety, gentle tactile bump, and deeper sound, the Brown switches create a satisfying typing environment, especially for those who enjoy a balanced mix of feedback and smoothness. Consider your priorities—whether it's speed and fluidity with the Mars or tactile sensation and sound richness with the MX Brown—as you make your decision.
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