Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique benefits that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Mars switch stands out with its innovative design, featuring a distinct POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, which provides a smooth linear feel while enhancing durability. This switch is appealing for gamers and typists seeking a responsive and consistent keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, delivering a satisfying auditory experience that enhances the overall typing pleasure. Enthusiasts who appreciate a pronounced acoustic feedback with a smooth keystroke may gravitate towards the Cold Plum for its distinct feel. While both switches fall into the linear category, their unique characteristics and sound signatures make them suitable for different users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Mars Linear

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and Outemu Cold Plum switches, it is evident that both switches employ nylon for their top housing, which leads to a similar auditory experience. The nylon material is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which dampens sound better than harder materials. This characteristic results in a duller and more rounded typing sound, enhancing the overall tactile experience for the user. Consequently, typing on either switch with a nylon top housing elicits a comparable auditory feedback, which may appeal to users looking for a pleasant and muted soundscape.

However, the bottom housing materials present a stark contrast between the two switch models. The Gateron Mars utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, while the Outemu Cold Plum incorporates nylon for its bottom housing as well. POM is known for creating a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively muted, but it introduces a degree of uniqueness compared to the nylon. In contrast, the Cold Plum's nylon bottom housing aligns with its top housing, perpetuating a more unified sound quality throughout the switch. This differentiation in bottom housing materials significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the Gateron Mars, allowing for a distinct auditory experience compared to the Outemu Cold Plum.

The compound characteristics of the housing materials indicate that users will perceive different qualities when activating the switches. The POM bottom housing of the Mars contributes to a more unique and muted sound profile under bottom-out conditions, while the Cold Plum’s nylon bottom retains a similar sound persona to its top housing. Overall, selecting between the Gateron Mars and Outemu Cold Plum switches may come down to individual preferences for the bottom-out feel and sound, particularly for those who value the unique sound profile created by the POM material in the Mars, as opposed to a more cohesive nylon experience provided by the Cold Plum.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, which significantly affect the typing experience. The Mars switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch and prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Cold Plum switch features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial push feel during typing. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, while the Cold Plum has a measured bottom out force of 70 grams, which adds to its medium-heavy classification. This difference in bottom out force further contributes to the overall typing experience, with the Cold Plum providing a firmer resistance when fully pressed down. Overall, individuals seeking a lighter and potentially less fatiguing typing experience should lean towards the Gateron Mars switch, whereas those desiring a more robust feel with noticeable resistance should opt for the Outemu Cold Plum switch.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Mars linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference suggests that the Gateron Mars may offer a more substantial key press, appealing to users who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum, with its 3.3 mm travel distance, may cater more to gamers looking for quicker, more responsive keystrokes due to its shorter actuation distance. Both switches reflect the trend toward shorter travel distances in modern designs, making the choice between them primarily a matter of personal preference: those who enjoy a pronounced depth in their keystrokes might gravitate toward the Mars, while gamers or users seeking rapid response might opt for the Cold Plum. Overall, the Mars provides a longer travel distance, making it a more traditional choice, whereas the Cold Plum enhances speed with its shorter profile.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Mars linear switch offers a sound profile that is characterized by a smooth and subdued tone, though specific details about its exact acoustic quality are not provided. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is renowned for its thocky sound, which delivers satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This distinction suggests that while both switches are geared towards a quieter experience typical of linear switches, the Cold Plum may provide a more pronounced acoustic experience that could appeal to users who enjoy auditory confirmation while typing.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mars switch boasts a unique keystroke quality attributed to its innovative POK stem and the combination of Nylon and POM in its housing. This design is intended to offer a smooth transition with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is known for a notably smooth keystroke as well, enhanced by its fully nylon construction, which adds to the responsiveness and pleasant sensation during use. While both switches primarily focus on a smooth, linear feel, the specific nuances and characteristics of their design may result in slight differences in user experience.

Overall, the Gateron Mars and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches both aim to provide a refined typing experience, appealing to enthusiasts who prioritize sound and feel. The Mars emphasizes a more subdued sound and incorporates innovative materials for a unique keystroke, while the Cold Plum stands out with its thocky auditory profile and a smooth touch derived from its nylon design. Choosing between them ultimately hinges on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile sensation, but both options are likely to deliver satisfying results for those seeking a pleasant typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your typing preferences and intended use. You would want to choose the Gateron Mars if you're looking for an innovative switch design that potentially offers a smoother and more responsive keystroke, thanks to its unique POK stem and specialized housing materials. This could be particularly appealing if you prioritize speed and a lighter touch, possibly favoring gaming or fast-paced typing experiences. On the other hand, if you appreciate a medium-heavy bottom-out force that provides tactile feedback and a satisfying "thocky" sound profile, the Outemu Cold Plum would better suit your needs. This switch can be ideal for typing enthusiasts who enjoy a distinct and engaging auditory and tactile experience, making it perfect for long typing sessions or for those who enjoy the classic feel of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you want speed and innovation or weight and sound in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more