Gateron Mars vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences in feel and feedback can significantly alter your typing experience. The Gateron Mars switch, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and unique design that incorporates a POK stem with a blend of Nylon and POM in its housing. This switch is ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted experience as it lacks tactile bumps. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive switch offers a distinctly different feel with its pronounced tactile feedback and resonant sound profile, thanks to its all-POM housing and long pole stem. This medium-weight tactile switch provides a satisfying auditory experience and a tangible feel during use, making it a favorite among those who enjoy feedback while typing. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prioritize a smooth, linear action or a snappy, tactile response. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Mars and Bsun Olive mechanical switches differ significantly, particularly in their top housings. The Mars features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This sound is characterized by its ability to absorb vibrations effectively, leading to muted acoustics that are warmer and rounder. In contrast, the Bsun Olive utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is recognized for producing a unique and pleasing sound as well. The POM material contributes to a relatively muted sound profile as well, albeit with slightly different acoustic characteristics compared to nylon. While both materials aim for a similar auditory experience, the nylon of the Mars offers a more rounded tone due to its intrinsic sound-absorbing qualities.
When we consider the bottom housings, both the Mars and Olive share the same POM material, creating a cohesive experience in terms of sound profile. The deeper, muzzled acoustics typical of POM complements the overall performance of both switches, offering a consistent contribution to the sound emitted when a key bottoms out. Since the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, users of both the Mars and Olive will experience that characteristic sound signature when they press the key down. This shared POM construction ensures that the two switches, despite their differing top materials, yield a similarly muted and pleasing auditory experience at the moment of actuation.
Overall, while the top housings of the Gateron Mars and Bsun Olive differ in material composition—nylon versus POM—the bottom housings are identical. This dual-material approach leads to a unique split in sound characteristics: the nylon top on the Mars offers a more rounded tonal quality during release, while the POM top of the Olive provides a distinct yet similarly muted quality. When pressed, both switches will have a consistent POM experience that delivers a deeper sound profile. Ultimately, for those seeking varied sound experiences while maintaining an overall pleasing auditory result, both the Gateron Mars and Bsun Olive switches present commendable choices.
Weight
The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a consistent resistance when initially pressing either switch. This similarity in actuation force can lead to comparable typing experiences in terms of keystroke activation, making both switches suitable for long typing sessions where minimal fatigue is preferred. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Olive switch has a medium-heavy force of 65 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown. This means that while the actuation feel is identical, the Olive will provide a more noticeable resistance at the bottom of the keystroke, offering a heavier and more substantial typing experience compared to the Mars. Consequently, if you prefer a lighter feel throughout your typing, the Mars switch may be the better option; on the other hand, if you lean towards a firmer typing experience, the Olive is the go-to choice.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mars linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you choose the Gateron Mars, you’ll experience a more substantial push when typing or gaming, providing a sense of depth that some users appreciate. In contrast, the Bsun Olive, with its shorter travel distance, may offer a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for speed and efficiency. Ultimately, if you prefer a more pronounced feel with each keystroke, the Mars is the better choice, whereas the Olive caters to those who favor a swifter, more responsive keypress.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 tends to produce a more subdued auditory profile which may resonate with users preferring a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch delivers a resonant and deep sound, creating a distinct auditory signature. This deeper sound offers a satisfying feedback to users, adding an additional layer of enjoyment during use. While sound quality can fluctuate based on factors like keyboard design and keycap materials, those who opt for the Olive will likely appreciate the unique timbre it provides.
In terms of feel, the Mars switch is known for its smooth activation and overall refined linear action, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy fluid key presses without any tactile interruptions. The Bsun Olive switch, conversely, emphasizes a pronounced tactile feedback with a medium level of resistance. This switch features a unique long pole stem that offers an invigorating and snappy response, making each keystroke feel engaging and distinct. The sharp tactile bump provides clear feedback that allows for a satisfying typing experience without being overly harsh, appealing to users looking for a tactile yet manageable sensation.
In conclusion, if you are exploring different mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Bsun Olive present two contrasting experiences, particularly in sound and feel. The Mars offers a quieter, smoother performance that caters to those who prefer a linear feel, while the Olive stands out with its resonant sound and tactile feedback, appealing to users seeking a more interactive typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these two will come down to personal preference, as both can provide enjoyable and satisfying results, whether through the Mars's understated performance or the Olive's pronounced engagement.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer and the tasks you'll primarily be using your keyboard for. If you're someone who values a smooth and fluid keystroke, particularly for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions, the Gateron Mars switches may be your best bet due to their innovative design that provides a seamless feel with minimal resistance. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more engaging and tactile experience, the Bsun Olive switches should be your choice. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force and pronounced tactile feedback, these switches deliver a satisfying response that enhances your typing experience, making them ideal for those who enjoy a bit of tactile nuance in their strokes. Additionally, if sound is a factor for you, the richer auditory feedback from the Olives may contribute to a more immersive experience, while the Mars switches are typically quieter. Ultimately, your preference for either a smooth, linear action or a pronounced tactile response will guide you towards the right choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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