Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly enhance the overall typing and gaming experience. The Gateron Mars switches stand out as a linear option, celebrated for their smooth keystrokes and lack of tactile feedback, making them ideal for users who prefer a quiet, uninterrupted typing experience. With their innovative design that incorporates a POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM in their housing, these switches offer durability and a satisfying response without the clicky sound. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green switches cater to enthusiasts who enjoy a tactile and auditory experience, thanks to their pronounced click sound and tactile feedback on each keystroke. This makes them particularly appealing for those who relish the satisfying feedback during typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Mars and Outemu Dustproof Green switches may boil down to personal preference: whether one desires a smooth, silent action or a vibrant, clicky response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Dustproof Green, significant differences emerge in their compositions and the resultant sound profiles. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is advantageous for users who prefer a warm and muted typing experience, as the nylon material dampens higher frequencies and creates a rounder acoustic quality. In contrast, the Dustproof Green utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which, due to its stiffer nature, produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's inherent translucency also enhances aesthetics when RGB lighting is employed, making it an attractive choice for those who appreciate visual effects in their keyboards. Thus, while both switches serve similar purposes, their top housing materials significantly impact the auditory experience during use.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the two switches reveal a different narrative. The Gateron Mars opts for a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively muted. POM, known for its excellent durability and low friction, further enriches the typing experience with a pleasing, smooth keypress. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green employs a nylon bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of its top housing. With nylon's classic reputation, this combination results in a fuller sound profile akin to the Mars, as both utilize nylon in their lower housing. Consequently, though the switches diverge at the top housing level, their bottom housings converge in their ability to deliver deeper sound dynamics, adding a layer of similarity to their overall performance.
Ultimately, the interaction of the various housing materials is crucial in determining the overall feel and acoustic quality of each switch. The top housing influences the sound released upon key release, while the bottom housing is critical in shaping the feel and sound during the key's bottom-out. Therefore, while the Gateron Mars and Outemu Dustproof Green differ in their top housing materials—with nylon favoring a muted profile and polycarbonate offering a sharper tone—they can achieve comparably deep sounds at the actuator level due to the shared qualities found in their bottom housings. This interplay showcases how even with differing materials, a keyboard designer can create unique yet complementary sound experiences, tailored to diverse user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron Mars has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, reducing fatigue over time. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green requires a heftier actuation force of 65 grams and has a significant bottom out force of 80 grams, which lends a more substantial and tactile experience for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. The absence of a specified bottom out force for the Mars switch leaves an unknown aspect in this comparison, but it indicates that it may be less resistant when fully pressed down compared to the Dustproof Green. Overall, the Mars switch is lighter, appealing to those seeking comfort, while the Dustproof Green caters to users who prefer a more powerful typing sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, there is a notable difference. The Gateron Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Green features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that if you prefer quicker response times, the Mars switch may be more suitable due to its shorter travel, aligning with the preferences of gamers who favor a fast actuation. Conversely, the Dustproof Green might appeal more to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke, offering a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance. Thus, for responsiveness, opt for the Mars; for a more pronounced typing experience, choose the Dustproof Green.
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 Green 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 switches typically produce a smooth and quiet actuation, allowing for a subtle auditory feedback that is ideal for a quieter work environment or for those who prefer minimal distraction while typing. The Outemu Dustproof Green switches, on the other hand, are clicky and designed to offer a more pronounced sound with each keypress, which can be satisfying for typists who enjoy the audible response that accompanies their keystrokes. The sound character of both switches will ultimately be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap choice, but you can expect a significant difference in auditory feedback between these two options.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switches are renowned for their smooth linear action, providing a consistent tactile experience from top to bottom with no tactile bump or click. This makes them especially pleasant for those who engage in repetitive typing tasks or gaming, where a fluid motion is desirable. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green switches feature a tactile bump that is felt during actuation, contributing to a more dynamic typing experience. The added feedback can be particularly gratifying for users who enjoy feeling their key presses register distinctly. As a user, you'll find that both switches cater to different preferences when it comes to the tactile sensation while typing.
In summary, if sound is a top priority for you, the Gateron Mars offers a quieter experience compared to the more audible clicks of the Outemu Dustproof Green. On the feel front, choose Mars for a smooth linear experience, or the Dustproof Green for a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches can cater to your typing style, but they excel in different areas, allowing you to choose based on your preference for sound and tactile feedback while ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile feedback or sound, the Gateron Mars would be the ideal choice for you. It's designed for those who appreciate a linear feel, allowing for rapid key presses without resistance, making it great for gaming or long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy the audible and tactile feedback that comes with a clicky switch, the Outemu Dustproof Green might be more to your liking. Its heavier actuation force can provide a satisfying sense of control, especially for typing enthusiasts who relish the sound and sensation that accompanies each keypress. So, if you're drawn to a quieter environment and a seamless key action, go for the Mars. Conversely, if you thrive on the audible click and a more pronounced tactile experience, the Dustproof Green will suit you best. Ultimately, both switches cater to different styles, so consider what aspects will enhance your typing experience before making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
