Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options worth considering are the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Brown. The Gateron Mars is a linear switch celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance, making it an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Its unique design, featuring a POK stem and a housing blend of Nylon and POM, ensures durability and consistent performance. In contrast, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch that provides noticeable feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a more pronounced feel while typing. This tactile bump alerts users to the actuation point without the loud click associated with other switch types, appealing to those who want both functionality and a quieter experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with Mars shining in fast-paced gaming scenarios and Browns excelling in typing comfort. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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 housing materials of the Gateron Mars and Outemu Brown switches, one can observe significant differences in the top housing compositions, which ultimately contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate lends itself to a heightened resonance, allowing for clear sound articulation that is particularly evident if the housing is translucent, thus enhancing RGB lighting effects.
Moving to the bottom housings, both switches use nylon and POM materials, offering distinct sound characteristics that complement their respective tops. The Gateron Mars employs a POM bottom housing, leading to a deeper, muted sound profile that aligns with the overall aesthetic of a rich auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Brown uses a nylon bottom housing, which mirrors the qualities of the Mars's top housing by providing a similarly deep and fuller sound. This commonality may produce comparable acoustic effects during typing, as both utilize nylon's absorption properties in their respective housings, albeit with variations stemming from the differences in the top housing material.
Together, these materials contribute to how sound is experienced through these switches depending on their individual characteristics. If we explore the interaction of how the top and bottom housings influence the sound produced when typing, we see an interesting dynamic. The impact of the bottom housing material is more prominent during the bottom-out action, while the top housing significantly influences the sound at key release. Thus, despite differences in top materials—nylon for Mars versus polycarbonate for Brown—both switches provide a unique yet pleasing sound profile when considering the synergistic relationship of their housings. This interplay suggests that while their top materials differ, the resulting auditory experience can still be enriching.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal contrasting characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Gateron Mars has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch requires a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might find more satisfying. While we don’t have the bottom out force for the Mars switch, the absence of this data indicates that it may not provide the same level of tactile resistance compared to the Outemu Brown, which is classified as medium-heavy. Therefore, users seeking a lighter and easier keystroke should opt for the Gateron Mars, while those who favor a more robust typing experience would benefit from the heavier Outemu Brown switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Gateron Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Outemu Brown, with a travel distance of 4 mm, is the longer of the two. This difference of 0.4 mm can impact the typing experience, particularly for those who favor responsiveness versus depth in key presses. Gamers might lean towards the Gateron Mars for its quicker actuation, while those who prefer a more pronounced and hearty depth might gravitate toward the Outemu Brown. As a result, individuals' preferences can greatly influence their choice between these two switches.
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 Brown 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 considering the sound quality of both switches, the Gateron Mars linear switch is known for its smooth operation, which tends to produce a quieter and more muted sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a subtle auditory experience without the clicky feedback found in some other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch typically emits a soft, yet noticeable sound when the tactile bump is encountered. This gentle sound is still relatively subdued, making it suitable for environments where noise levels should be kept in check, though slightly more pronounced than the Gateron Mars.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars linear switch provides an exceptionally smooth and consistent keystroke, offering a seamless experience without any tactile feedback or bumps to denote the actuation point. This results in an uninterrupted keystroke that many typists and gamers appreciate for its fluidity. Conversely, the Outemu Brown tactile switch features a distinctly tactile bump, giving users a clear indication of actuation, which some users find helpful for typing accuracy. The tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience by allowing for a more engaged interaction with each key press, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a bit of feedback without transitioning to a full clicky switch.
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Brown switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Mars offers a quieter and smoother experience, while the Browns provide tactile feedback that can aid in typing precision. Both options cater to different user needs and environments, thus ensuring that whether you favor subtlety or a tactile response, you can achieve an enjoyable keyboard experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, the Gateron Mars switch is an excellent choice, especially for fast-paced gaming or typing where you want to maximize speed and minimize finger fatigue. Its light actuation can also be appealing for users who appreciate a more effortless press. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more traditional typing experience with tactile feedback that lets you feel each keypress without the loud click, the Outemu Brown switch may be more suitable for you. The 65 grams of bottom-out force provides a reassuring resistance that can enhance your typing rhythm, making it ideal for office work or extensive writing sessions. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, so your choice should reflect your specific needs in terms of typing style and sound preference.
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