Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence the overall typing and gaming experience. The Gateron Mars switches, recognized for their innovative design, combine a POK stem with a unique housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, offering a smooth and responsive keystroke ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switches, while also linear, provide a different tactile feedback and build quality that appeals to users looking for straightforward, no-frills performance. Both switches cater to enthusiasts who may prefer a quiet and consistent keypress without the tactile bump found in other switch types. Choosing the right switch ultimately depends on your specific needs—whether you're seeking the cutting-edge materials and design of the Mars or the reliable performance of the Outemu Black. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
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 Gateron Mars and the Outemu Black switches, the differences in their housing materials distinctly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, a classic plastic known for its softer texture. This results in a deeper, fuller sound when typing, as the nylon absorbs more sound due to its material properties. In contrast, the Outemu Black employs a polycarbonate top housing which is stiffer and more resonant. This difference translates to a sharper, higher-pitched sound when typing, offering a crisper auditory feedback. Thus, while the Mars presents a more muted and rounded sound profile, the Black provides a clearer and more penetrating sound, reflecting the unique characteristics of the materials used.
In examining the bottom housings, both switches share some commonality with their use of nylon; however, their construction leads to varied sound experiences. The Gateron Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing, which produces a unique acoustic signature that leans towards a deeper and more muted sound, contributing to a very distinctive typing feel. Conversely, the Outemu Black has a nylon bottom housing, which, while similarly deep and fuller, may affect the switch's response differently than the POM. The nylon's softer texture is prevalent in both, allowing for a satisfying bottom-out feel. Consequently, while both switches deliver a deeper sound profile from their respective bottom housings, the different materials lead to nuanced variations in the overall typing experience.
Each component's impact on sound and tactile feedback is significant in these switches. The Gateron Mars, with its nylon top and POM bottom, combines the softer characteristics of both materials to create a unique typing experience characterized by warmth and depth. Meanwhile, the Outemu Black, utilizing a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, results in a switch that balances clarity with a solid typing experience. This split of characteristics means that when you type, the Mars may feel warmer and more muted, while the Black feels sharper and more dynamic. When both switches are pressed, the interaction between the materials divides the sensory experience, creating distinct profiles based on how each housing resonates.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Gateron Mars has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming marathons, where comfort and less strain on the fingers are desirable. However, the bottom out force for the Mars is not specified, leaving a gap in our understanding of its overall push feel. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch features a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, which provides a more substantial and forceful typing experience. This heavier feedback may appeal to users who prefer a stronger tactile sensation while typing. Thus, in terms of weight, the Gateron Mars is the lighter option, while the Outemu Black is categorized as the heavier switch, catering to different user preferences for actuation and typing feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, the Gateron Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Black offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a more responsive feel, the Gateron Mars would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, which is conducive to faster response times, especially favored by gamers. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more profound tactile experience with deeper keystrokes, then the Outemu Black, with its longer travel distance, would likely suit your preferences better. Overall, the differences between these two switches highlight the varied experiences available in mechanical keyboards, catering to different user preferences—whether it be for quicker responses or a fuller keystroke.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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
When comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron Mars linear switch with the Outemu Black linear switch, the Mars tends to produce a sound profile that is generally quieter and more subdued. This is largely due to its unique design, which may contribute to less acoustic feedback upon actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch is typically characterized by a more pronounced sound with a slight hollow quality that is common among linear switches. However, it's important to remember that the final sound experience can be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap material used.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Mars offers a smooth and consistent keystroke, designed to provide a responsive typing experience that is well-suited for both gaming and typing tasks. The linear action ensures that there are no tactile bumps or audible clicks, allowing for fluid key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch might offer a firmer resistance with a heavier actuation force, providing a different tactile experience that some typists may prefer for deliberate key presses. While both switches are linear, the differences in actuation force and feel can cater to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mars linear switch is appreciated for its quieter sound and smooth typing experience, whereas the Outemu Black provides a firmer actuation with a more resonant sound. While both switches share the linear characteristic, the specific qualities of sound and feel make each more or less suitable depending on personal preference. Ultimately, if you're drawn to a quieter typing experience and fluid keystrokes, the Mars may be your best bet, while the Blacks might appeal more to those who favor a slightly more resistant key press with a pronounced acoustic signature.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Mars and Outemu Black linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother, unencumbered feel while typing or gaming, the Gateron Mars switch is an excellent option thanks to its innovative design and unique stem, which can enhance your overall experience. These switches cater well to tasks requiring quick key presses and fluid motions, making them ideal for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial resistance and prefer a switch that requires a firmer touch, the Outemu Black switch would be suitable for your needs. Its heavier bottom-out force can provide a satisfying feedback and a sense of certainty with each keystroke, making it potentially advantageous for typing, particularly if you value tactile confirmation or are accustomed to a firmer keyboard feel. Ultimately, assess your priorities—whether you value speed and agility with the Mars or the solid, deliberate feel of the Blacks—before making your decision.
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