Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Blue Jade present two distinct options suitable for various typing preferences. The Gateron Mars, known for its smooth linear action, offers a quiet yet responsive typing experience that many gamers and typists favor for quick key presses without tactile feedback. Its innovative design, featuring a POK stem and durable housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, enhances its reliability and performance over time. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, is perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible feedback that provides a satisfying "click" with each keystroke, making typing feel more engaging and enjoyable. While the Mars is ideal for users seeking a seamless and uninterrupted experience, the Blue Jade caters to those who appreciate the traditional clicky sound and 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Blue Jade, one noticeable similarity lies in the top housing composition. Both switches utilize nylon for their top housing, a material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Therefore, users can expect a comparable performance in terms of sound characteristics when tapping on the switches, as the nylon in both models contributes similarly to their overall acoustic signature.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Gateron Mars and Outemu Blue Jade diverges significantly. The Mars features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, which is noted for producing a unique sound that is deeper and more muted compared to other materials. Conversely, the Blue Jade’s bottom housing is also made of nylon, the same material as its top housing. This choice in the Blue Jade emphasizes a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, while the Mars introduces a distinct acoustic quality with its POM bottom. Consequently, the Gateron Mars offers a duality in sound characteristics due to its combination of nylon and POM, while the Blue Jade maintains a unified sound profile throughout its components.
These differences in bottom housing materials mean that users will experience varying sensations when bottoming out on each switch type. The Mars's POM bottom housing contributes a denser and more resonant sound when the key is fully pressed down, enhancing the overall tactile feedback. This contrasts with the Blue Jade, where the uniform nylon material will maintain a broader, less distinctive acoustic quality from top to bottom. Ultimately, while both switches may share similar top housing qualities that foster a deeper sound profile, the variation in bottom materials leads to disparate typing experiences and sound profiles when fully engaged.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Mars switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option and more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Blue Jade switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Mars switch is unknown, while the Blue Jade’s bottom out force is reported at 65 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. This suggests that the Blue Jade may provide a stronger tactile feedback when fully pressed down, contributing to a more pronounced typing sensation. Overall, if users are seeking a lighter feel, the Gateron Mars would be preferable, whereas the heavier Outemu Blue Jade might be better for those desiring a firmer key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Blue Jade features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mars switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those who prioritize quicker response times, particularly gamers. On the other hand, the Blue Jade's longer travel distance of 4 mm can provide a more pronounced and satisfying tactile feedback for users who prefer a deeper keystroke. Thus, if you value responsiveness and a more efficient key press, the Gateron Mars may be the better option, whereas if you enjoy a more traditional and substantial feel when typing, the Outemu Blue Jade would be preferable.
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 Blue Jade 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
The Gateron Mars linear switch offers a smooth and quiet typing experience, allowing for minimal sound during operation. This is ideal for those who prefer a more discreet setup, whether in an office or home environment. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch produces a pronounced tactile click, providing auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This distinct click can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy pronounced sound cues, but it may not be suitable for quieter spaces. It's important to remember that the sound profile of any switch can vary depending on the keyboard it’s used with and the type of keycaps chosen, which may add to or dampen the overall noise.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mars linear switch delivers a smooth keypress with a consistent resistance throughout the stroke, making it an enjoyable choice for rapid typing or gaming without interruption. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch provides a tactile bump followed by a notable click at the actuation point, allowing typists to feel exactly when the key has registered. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy for some users, especially those who prefer the physical sensations accompanying each keystroke, though it may not appeal to everyone due to the additional noise and interruption of flow.
In summary, the Gateron Mars switch and the Outemu Blue Jade switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Mars linear switch is suited for those seeking a quieter and smooth experience, while the Blue Jade provides a pronounced click that may enhance the satisfaction of typing for others. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel and how they fit into your individual typing or gaming needs.
Conclusion
In closing, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch largely depends on your preferences for typing experience and intended use. If you favor a smooth, quiet keystroke with minimal resistance, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming, then the Gateron Mars is likely the better fit. Its innovative design not only provides a seamless feel but also reduces noise, making it ideal for shared spaces or late-night usage. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and auditory cue that comes from a clicky switch, the Outemu Blue Jade would be more suited to you. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force, it offers a more pronounced response that many typists love, especially for writing or coding, where you appreciate the feedback of each keypress. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth and quiet experience with the Mars, or the satisfying sound and feel of the Blue Jade.
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