Gateron Mars vs. KTT Orange

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and KTT Orange both represent compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience, yet they cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mars is distinguished by its innovative POK stem and housing, crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, promising a unique tactile responsiveness that can excite gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the KTT Orange features a 22mm long spring that imparts a bouncy feel, combined with a polycarbonate milky top housing and a low-pitched sound profile that is appealing for those who enjoy a smoother and quieter typing experience. While the Mars offers a distinct design element and responsiveness, the KTT Orange excels in delivering an incredibly frictionless key travel and refined feel thanks to its excellent factory-lubing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Mars Linear

KTT Orange Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the KTT Orange switches, notable differences arise that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, which is inherently softer and absorbs sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Orange employs a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer and sharper, resulting in a crisper and clearer sound. This fundamental difference in material choice means that while the Mars channels a more muted and rounded sound, the Orange delivers a heightened resonance that can be particularly satisfying for users who prefer a punchier auditory feedback when typing.

Examining the bottom housings, the Gateron Mars utilizes POM, which is recognized for its ability to generate a more muted and pleasing sound profile, aligning seamlessly with its nylon top. The KTT Orange continues with the polycarbonate material for its bottom housing, leading to a similarly sharper sound profile as its top. This consistent use of polycarbonate in both the bottom and top housings of the Orange enhances its crisper sound, as both top and bottom contribute to a more resonant acoustic experience. In contrast, the Mars achieves its unique sound profile by mixing a softer nylon top with a POM bottom, dividing the acoustic characteristics between the two materials.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch dictates not only their auditory experiences but also the tactile sensations felt by users. For example, the Gateron Mars's nylon top housing emphasizes the sound during key release, while its POM bottom provides a deeper bottom-out feel, appealing to users who enjoy sound dampening. On the other hand, the KTT Orange, with identical polycarbonate materials on both ends, projects a sharper sound regardless of whether one is pressing or releasing a key, perfect for those who favor clarity over volume. Thus, while both switches offer unique sound experiences, their differing materials shape both the individual qualities and overall sensation experienced by users.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom-out forces. The Gateron Mars features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly lighter than the KTT Orange's actuation force of 46 grams. This small difference suggests that the Mars may be preferable for users who favor a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom-out force for the Mars switch is currently unknown, while the KTT Orange has a bottom-out force of 53 grams, classified as medium-light. This indicates that the KTT Orange provides a more significant resistance when fully pressed down, which may cater to those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In summary, while the Gateron Mars is lighter in actuation force, the overall user experience may differ significantly, especially with the unspecified bottom-out force of the Mars switch compared to the more defined, heavier feel of the KTT Orange.

Travel distance

The Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch exhibit a slight difference in travel distance, with the Mars measuring 3.6 mm and the Orange at 3.5 mm. This means that the Mars offers a longer travel distance, albeit only by a small margin. For users who prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the KTT Orange may be preferable, providing quicker actuation and feedback. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial depth while typing might find the Gateron Mars more suitable due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches are relatively close in their measurements, offering a similar feel while catering to slightly different preferences in tactile response and depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars switches aren't detailed in terms of auditory feedback, while the KTT Orange switches are known for their low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches like the Orange offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which tends to be less jarring during typing compared to higher-pitched counterparts. If sound dampening is a priority for you, the KTT Orange is likely to provide a more satisfying auditory experience, but the Mars may also have its own acoustic qualities that require further exploration on your part.

Regarding feel, the Gateron Mars switches' tactile response is not specified, making it tough to compare directly. The KTT Orange switches, on the other hand, are characterized by their bouncy nature and frictionless action. The bouncy feedback provides a spring-like sensation that enhances the typing experience, creating a lively interaction with each keystroke. The frictionless travel emphasizes a smooth, effortless experience that minimizes resistance, making typing feel fluid and enjoyable. Without specific details on the Mars switches, it’s uncertain if they can match this level of tactile smoothness and responsiveness.

In conclusion, while the KTT Orange switch offers a defined low-pitched sound and a notable bouncy and frictionless feel, the Gateron Mars switches remain a mystery in those departments. If you're drawn to a smooth typing experience and a muted sound, the KTT Orange may be the clear choice. However, discovering the qualities of the Mars switches could unveil a different typing experience that might suit your preferences as well. Ultimately, both switches promise unique qualities and potential enjoyment, so your choice might come down to personal testing and the specific keyboard setup you choose.

Conclusion

To summarize, when deciding between the Gateron Mars and the KTT Orange linear switches, consider your personal typing and gaming preferences. If you prioritize a switch that offers a unique design and potentially a smooth travel experience, go for the Gateron Mars, especially if you're intrigued by innovative materials and unique engineering that may enhance your overall typing experience. It's ideal for users who enjoy a more experimental switch feel. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more responsive and lively typing experience, the KTT Orange switch is your best bet; its bouncy feel and low-pitched sound profile can add a delightful touch to both typing and gaming. The medium-light actuation force makes it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch without sacrificing tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you want to explore cutting-edge designs with the Mars or enjoy the bounciness and smoothness of the KTT Orange in a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more