Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Outemu Cream Yellow present two distinct choices, each catering to different typing preferences. The Gateron Mars, classified as a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, making it ideal for gamers and individuals who prioritize swift key presses without tactile feedback. Its innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, enhances its overall responsiveness and durability. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, offers a noticeable bump at the actuation point, providing satisfying feedback that many typists adore. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and comfort, making it a preferred choice for those who spend long hours on the keyboard. Both switches come with their unique advantages, catering to varied tastes in key feel and performance, making the choice between them a personal one based on user preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and Outemu Cream Yellow switches, it is essential to note their similarities and differences in sound and feel during typing. Both switches feature a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Therefore, when typing on either switch, users can expect a consistently rich and subdued sound, making both options favorable for those seeking a quieter typing environment.
On the contrary, the bottom housings of the Gateron Mars and Outemu Cream Yellow switches showcase contrasting materials, which significantly impacts their overall sound profile. The Mars switch incorporates a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, known for producing a unique and pleasing deeper sound that remains relatively muted. In contrast, the Cream Yellow features a nylon bottom housing as well, which aligns with the sound characteristics of its top housing. As a result, while both switches manage to provide a satisfying auditory experience, the Gateron Mars is likely to offer a distinct depth and quality due to the differences in bottom housing materials.
This distinction between the top and bottom housings has a noticeable influence on the feel and sound during key presses. As users engage with the switches, the nylon top housing primarily governs the acoustic response when keys are released, contributing to that soft, rounded sound profile indicative of both switches. However, the bottom housing’s material becomes more apparent upon bottoming out, where the POM of the Mars will produce a different auditory and tactile feedback compared to the nylon of the Cream Yellow. This variance suggests that while both switches can deliver a muted sound, the Gateron Mars might provide a richer, more textured auditory experience, making it an attractive choice for those who pay particular attention to the intricacies of sound and feel in their typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a consistent effort required to trigger a keystroke for both switches. However, a notable difference arises in their bottom out force measurements. While the Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a firmer feedback when the key is fully pressed down, the Mars switch's bottom out force remains unspecified. This absence of data means we can't directly compare their bottom out forces, but it does suggest that the Mars switch may vary in tactile feedback experience. In terms of weight, the Mars switch can be considered the lighter option if we assume its bottom out force is lower than 60 grams, potentially making it a better choice for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience. Conversely, the Cream Yellow, with its heavier bottom out force, will appeal more to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it's clear that there is a difference. The Gateron Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow measures at 3.3 mm. This makes the Cream Yellow the shorter of the two switches, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. In contrast, the Mars, with its longer travel distance, might be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and tactile feedback.
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 Cream Yellow 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars linear switch generally produces a smooth and subdued auditory profile, characteristic of linear switches that lack any tactile bump or click. This allows for a quieter typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer minimal noise while working or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch emits a more pronounced sound upon actuation due to its tactile design, though there may not be the same level of auditory feedback as found in clicky switches. Overall, while both switches could produce differing sound profiles based on the specific keyboard and keycap choices, the Mars leans more towards a whisper-quiet operation, while the Cream Yellow offers a soft, distinct thock when pressed.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switch provides a smooth, linear experience that allows your fingers to glide effortlessly from key to key without any interruption. This absence of tactile bumps gives a consistent keystroke which some users appreciate for gaming, as it enables quicker keypresses without distraction. Conversely, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch offers a noticeable tactile bump at the actuation point, adding a defined feedback that many typists prefer for the enhanced typing experience. This tactile sensation can lead to a more engaging feel during long typing sessions, making it beneficial for those who appreciate the reassurance of feedback without the clicky noise often found in similar switches. So, if you enjoy that tactile element, the Cream Yellow might be more to your liking.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mars linear and Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Mars provides a quieter, smoother keystroke suited for silent environments, while the Cream Yellow offers a tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience with a bit more noise and engagement. Choosing between them will ultimately come down to personal typing style and environment; if you're leaning towards quieter operation, the Mars is the way to go, but if you crave tactile feedback, the Cream Yellow will likely satisfy your needs. Both switches can be quite enjoyable, depending on what you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and keyboard use cases. If you appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke for activities like gaming or typing at high speed, the Gateron Mars may be your ideal pick, particularly given its innovative design that can offer a unique feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile response that offers a satisfying bump during your key presses—perfect for typing or coding—the Outemu Cream Yellow with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams could suit you better. In terms of sound and feel, if you enjoy a quieter typing experience, the Mars would likely be a favorable choice, whereas the Cream Yellow may provide more feedback and auditory cues that many find rewarding. Ultimately, assess how you plan to use your keyboard and whether you prioritize a smooth input or tactile feedback to make an informed decision that enhances your overall experience.
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