Gateron Mars vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Cherry Nixie offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, despite both being linear switches. The Gateron Mars stands out with its innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a unique housing blend of Nylon and POM, promising smooth keystrokes that gamers often prefer for responsiveness and speed. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switches are cherished for their substantial heft and textured typing experience, which infuses a sense of nostalgia while also integrating modern materials and springs from Cherry’s recent MX2A update. This combination results in a thocky, low-pitched sound profile that many users find satisfying and enjoyable. While the Mars may appeal to those who prioritize performance and fluidity in fast-paced environments, the Nixies cater to users who appreciate tactile feedback and a more traditional feel. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Gateron Mars and the Cherry Nixie switches share a common characteristic in their top housing, both made from nylon. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This acoustic quality is a result of nylon's relatively softer nature compared to harder plastics, which contributes to a more muted and rounded sound. Therefore, both the Mars and Nixie switches benefit from the nylon top housing, which provides a pleasant typing experience characterized by a warm acoustic output.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Gateron Mars and the Cherry Nixie switches diverges significantly in material composition. The Mars switch utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, known for producing a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted. This distinct acoustic profile differs from the Nixie's nylon bottom housing, which shares the same sound absorption properties as its top housing. As a result, while both switches feature nylon at the top, the Mars switch benefits from the additional sound modulation imparted by its POM bottom, allowing for a more nuanced auditory experience when typing.
When considering the overall performance of the Gateron Mars and Cherry Nixie switches, the variation in bottom housing materials plays a crucial role. The bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel during keystrokes, with the POM bottom of the Mars switch providing a sound that complements the softer nylon top. Conversely, the Nixie’s nylon bottom carries the same sonic characteristics as its top housing, maintaining consistency in its sound profile throughout. Ultimately, while both switches utilize nylon for the top housing to achieve similar acoustic benefits, the contrasting bottom housings create distinct typing experiences influenced by their unique material properties.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mars switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less demanding typing experience, potentially allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. In contrast, the Nixie switch features a much heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial tactile feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a firmer push. Since the bottom out force for the Mars switch is currently unavailable, direct comparisons in that regard remain inconclusive. However, the known values clearly position the Nixie as the heavier option, while the Mars is the lighter choice. This distinction underlines the different user preferences: those who prioritize comfort over long typing sessions may favor the Mars, while those who enjoy a firmer feel might gravitate towards the Cherry Nixie.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Mars measuring 3.6 mm and the Nixie at 4 mm. This places the Mars as the shorter travel option, which may appeal to gamers and typists who favor quicker response times and a more immediate keypress feedback. Conversely, the Nixie’s longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more traditional and substantial feel that some users may prefer for its deeper engagement during typing. Consequently, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Gateron Mars would be the better choice, while the Cherry Nixie could be more satisfying for those who appreciate a fuller key travel.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.15.
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 Gateron Mars switch has an undefined sound profile, which leaves ample room for personal interpretation based on other factors like the keyboard build and keycap choice. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch is celebrated for its thocky sound, producing a deep, rich auditory feedback that resembles a soft solid "thud" when pressed. This low-pitched signing adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to typing experiences, making each keystroke feel impactful and satisfying. While the Mars’s sound characteristics remain uncharted, users can anticipate a varying acoustic experience depending on their setup, while Nixie users are assured of the delightful thocky sound.
When it comes to the feel, the Mars switch does not provide specific details regarding its tactile characteristics, which leaves potential users guessing about its overall typing experience. In contrast, the Nixie switch is characterized as textured or scratchy, meaning that users will encounter some noticeable friction during key presses. This textured experience can add a unique tactile feedback that some typists appreciate, while others might prefer the smoothness found in linear switches lacking this textured sensation. Without defining the feel of the Mars switch, potential buyers may need to rely on their preferences for the Nixie's more tactile experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mars switch remains an enigma regarding its sound and feel, the Cherry Nixie switch provides a well-known and revered typing experience characterized by its thocky sound and textured feel. For those seeking a defined auditory feedback, the Nixie is a solid choice due to its bass-heavy tones, while the Mars invites exploration and experimentation, lending itself to customization depending on the user's keyboard configuration and preferences. The journey of selecting a switch will ultimately depend on one’s personal priorities regarding sound and feel, but for those who favor a specific auditory experience, the Nixie stands out as an established favorite.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Mars linear switches and Cherry Nixie linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smoother typing experience coupled with a quieter operation, the Gateron Mars might be more suitable for you, especially if you're seeking a switch that allows for fluid, uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and textured feel, along with a satisfyingly thocky sound profile, the Cherry Nixies could be your best bet. Their heavier actuation force may provide the satisfying feedback you crave and help prevent accidental key presses, making them ideal for typists who appreciate a solid, grounded typing experience. Therefore, consider what aspects are most crucial to your typing enjoyment: speed and smoothness with the Mars, or heft and texture with the Nixie.
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