Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Outemu Dustproof Black present two intriguing options for avid typists and gamers alike. The Gateron Mars switches are celebrated for their innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a durable housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, resulting in a smooth and consistent keystroke that enhances typing efficiency and comfort. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black switches may not have the same level of acclaim in terms of technology, but they offer solid performance and resilience, catering particularly well to users who prioritize longevity and reliability in dusty environments. Both switches fall into the linear category, providing a quieter and smoother typing experience devoid of tactile feedback, making them ideal for those who prefer a seamless keypress. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Gateron Mars and the Outemu Dustproof Black, the housing materials exhibit distinct differences that contribute to their unique sound profiles and overall feel. The Mars features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This material allows for a rounder sound, making it more suited for users who favor a muted acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Dustproof Black incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its rigidity. This rigidity produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, adding clarity and resonance to the typing experience. Therefore, while the Mars offers a warmer tone, the Dustproof Black delivers a more vibrant auditory feedback.
The bottom housings of the two switches present a fascinating contrast as well. The Gateron Mars employs a POM bottom housing, renowned for producing a muted and enjoyable sound, while the Outemu Dustproof Black utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which shares similarities with the Mars’s nylon top housing. Such a combination means both switches can generate a deeper and fuller sound profile, especially during key presses. However, the POM material adds a unique element to the Mars’s overall sound experience; its softness enhances the muted tones even further, creating a distinctly pleasing feedback. This differentiation in bottom housing materials adds depth to each switch's auditory signature, showcasing how crucial the composition of these components can be.
In terms of overall performance, the varying qualities of the top and bottom housings play an essential role in user experience. Since the Mars features a softer nylon top and a deeper POM bottom, it creates a warm and full sound profile with a comfortable feel during typing. Conversely, the Dustproof Black's polycarbonate top interacts with its nylon bottom to yield a balance between crispness and depth, capturing a more pronounced auditory feedback while maintaining some of the plushness associated with nylon. For users who seek to achieve a specific typing sound or tactile feedback, understanding how these housing materials affect each keypress is paramount. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound clarity versus warmth, with each housing material offering distinct characteristics that influence the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Gateron Mars has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions due to reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black requires a heftier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for tactile feedback. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is not available, while the Dustproof Black's bottom out force is significantly heavier at 80 grams. This difference implies that, when pressed all the way down, the Dustproof Black requires much greater force, which could contribute to a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, the Gateron Mars is the lighter option, while the Outemu Dustproof Black is heavier, appealing to those who favor a stronger keystroke response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Black measures 4 mm. This makes the Mars the shorter option between the two, favoring those who prefer a quicker response time that can enhance gameplay. In contrast, the Dustproof Black, with its longer travel distance, offers a deeper travel experience that some users find more satisfying, providing a less abrupt feel when typing or gaming. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gateron Mars would be the better choice, while the Outemu Dustproof Black may cater to those who enjoy a more traditional, hearty depth in their 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 Dustproof Black 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 is known for its smooth and subdued sound profile, providing a near-silent experience that can be pleasing for both the user and those nearby. This quality makes it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise may be a concern. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has an unspecified sound character, which leaves some ambiguity regarding its auditory presence. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound emitted by each switch can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mars switch is recognized for its exceptionally smooth keypress, attributed to its innovative POK stem design. This makes it ideal for users who prioritize a fluid typing experience, whether for gaming or general use. The Outemu Dustproof Black switch does not have specific information available regarding its tactile feedback. Hence, it is challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of feel, leaving potential users to explore the switch without a clear understanding of its characteristics.
In summary, the Gateron Mars linear switch is favored for its quiet operation and smooth feel, appealing to individuals seeking a seamless typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Dustproof Black's qualities remain somewhat unclear, particularly regarding sound and feel. Users interested in either switch should consider their specific needs and preferences, as the Mars will provide more reliably consistent results in sound and feel, while the performance of the Dustproof Black remains to be determined.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother and quieter experience, the Gateron Mars, with its innovative design and lightweight feel, could be the ideal choice for you. It may be particularly well-suited for long typing sessions and gaming, where reducing finger fatigue and noise is a priority. On the other hand, if you enjoy a firmer touch and prefer a switch that provides more resistance, the Outemu Dustproof Black, with its heavier bottom-out force, might be better suited for you. This switch could offer greater feedback and control, appealing to typists who appreciate a more defined keystroke. Overall, understanding these differences will help you select the switch that best aligns with your comfort, sound preference, and tactile feedback needs.
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