Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Cream Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, two notable contenders are the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Cream Blue, each catering to different typing preferences and experiences. The Gateron Mars, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prioritize rapid keystrokes without any tactile feedback or noise. Its innovative design features a POK stem and a durable housing blend of Nylon and POM, ensuring a consistent and reliable performance. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue is celebrated for its clicky feedback and tactile bump, providing a satisfying auditory and physical response that many typists enjoy. This switch can be particularly appealing for those who appreciate the pleasure of hearing and feeling each keystroke, which can enhance typing accuracy and enjoyment. Both switches offer unique advantages: the Mars for its seamless typing experience and the Cream Blue for its classic clicky 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

Gateron Mars Linear

Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Cream Blue switches, we see a notable difference in their bottom housing compositions while they share similarities in their top housings. Both switches feature nylon for their top housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The soft nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a rounded auditory experience during typing. Users of both switches can expect a consistent sound characteristic due to this shared material, making it easier to achieve a similar auditory satisfaction, regardless of the switch type being used.

However, the divergence occurs in the bottom housing, where the Gateron Mars opts for POM material, while the Outemu Cream Blue utilizes nylon as well. The POM bottom housing introduces a unique sound quality that is deeper and more muted compared to the nylon bottom of the Cream Blue, which does not carry the same level of distinctiveness in sound. This difference means that while the typing experience would share some acoustic properties due to the nylon top, the overall sound dynamics change with the distinct materials in the bottom housings. The Mars, with its POM bottom, will produce a more pronounced dampening effect on impacts, which can contribute to a somewhat different feel and sound profile during operation.

Overall, the impact of different bottom housing materials highlights how the qualities can be split across the switch. For the Gateron Mars, the POM bottom enhances the tactile feel and sound upon bottoming out, while with the Outemu Cream Blue, the sound experience relies heavily on both the nylon top and bottom. Consequently, users may notice varying sensations and audio results as they type, reflecting the unique contributions of each material used in the switches—a synthesis of nylon’s consistent qualities and POM’s ability to create a distinct sound profile in the Mars.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Mars switch remains unknown. The Mars linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, which can be particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming hours. In contrast, the Cream Blue switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who seek a more tactile and substantial typing experience. Furthermore, the Cream Blue has a known bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a stronger resistance when fully pressed, which further enhances its tactile feedback compared to the Mars switch. Overall, while the Gateron Mars offers a lighter and potentially easier typing experience, the Outemu Cream Blue provides a firmer feel that some users might find more satisfying.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, there is a clear distinction. The Mars switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Blue switch extends to 4 mm. This means the Gateron Mars is the shorter option, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who appreciate quicker response times and more rapid key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue's longer travel distance of 4 mm may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel and tactile depth when typing. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus a more pronounced actuation depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When examining sound, the Gateron Mars linear switch is generally characterized by its smooth and quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more discrete typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch produces a distinct and satisfying click sound with each keystroke, which appeals to those who enjoy the audible feedback that enhances their typing experience. The difference in auditory feedback between these two switches is stark; while the Mars maintains a subdued profile, the Cream Blue engages users with its pronounced, mechanical sound, ensuring an engaging typing atmosphere.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switches are known for their smooth actuation, providing a consistent and frictionless experience as users press down the keys. This seamless feel can be particularly appealing for gamers and typists who require rapid and efficient keystrokes without any noticeable tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue switches are tactile and have a defined bump that signals actuating the key, making every press feel more deliberate. This tactile feedback is often favored by typists who appreciate a more pronounced sensation while typing, creating a different tactile experience that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction.

Overall, the choice between the Gateron Mars linear switches and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switches will depend largely on personal preference regarding sound and feel. If you prefer a quiet, smooth keypress for a more discreet setup, the Mars would be your best bet. Conversely, if you enjoy auditory and tactile feedback when typing, the Cream Blue would provide the experience you’re looking for. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, ensuring that whether you're gaming or typing, you’ll find a switch that suits your needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch should be guided by your preferences for typing feel, sound, and the intended use of your keyboard. If you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience that allows for rapid key presses without the tactile feedback or audible click, then the Gateron Mars is the ideal option for you. This switch would be particularly beneficial for gaming or programming, where speed and silence are paramount. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing experience that includes an audible click, the Outemu Cream Blue may be more suitable to your needs. The medium-heavy bottom-out force of the Cream Blue provides a distinct feedback that many typists find satisfying and motivating, making it an excellent choice for writing or office work where the sound and feel of the switches could enhance your enjoyment and productivity. Ultimately, consider what type of experience you value more—smoothness and silence with the Mars or tactile feedback with the Cream Blue—as you make your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more