Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Dustproof Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, aficionados often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options, such as the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Dustproof Red, both linear switches. The Gateron Mars stands out for its innovative design, which combines a POK stem with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, resulting in smooth key presses that provide a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red offers its own appeal primarily through its resilience and the ability to maintain performance in dusty environments, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize durability. While both switches cater to typists seeking a linear experience with minimal tactile feedback, their unique qualities target different user preferences—whether you value the cutting-edge design and smooth operation of the Mars or the robust, dustproof nature of the Outemu Red. 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 Dustproof Red 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 the Outemu Dustproof Red, notable differences arise in their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Mars features a nylon top housing that is recognized for imparting a deeper, fuller sound. This is attributable to nylon’s property as a softer plastic that absorbs sound, leading to a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing more light to pass through for a visually striking aesthetic. This marked distinction in materials suggests that users seeking a more subdued acoustic experience might prefer the Mars, while those desiring clarity and vibrancy might lean toward the Dustproof Red.

The bottom housing of both switches presents an interesting contrast as well, with the Gateron Mars employing POM (Polyoxymethylene) and the Outemu Dustproof Red using nylon. The POM material in the Mars switch contributes to a unique sound that is described as deep and more muted, potentially appealing to users who value a softer auditory feedback. Conversely, the Dustproof Red, with its nylon bottom, also promotes a deeper sound profile; however, this sound is characterized by the classic properties of nylon, which absorbs sound and creates a fuller experience. Hence, while both switches achieve a similar sound effect in terms of depth through their bottom housings, the textures and nuances of sound they provide may differ substantially based on the specific properties of POM versus nylon.

Ultimately, the combined effect of both the top and bottom housing materials in each switch results in a distinct auditory experience. Even though the Mars and Dustproof Red utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, the impact of these materials is synergistic. The softness of the nylon top housing in the Mars complements the POM bottom’s muted sound, resulting in a more integrated auditory experience. Conversely, the polycarbonate top paired with the nylon bottom in the Dustproof Red provides a unique balance of sharper highs from the top and a fuller depth from the bottom. This duality emphasizes the importance of the specific sounds each housing contributes during both key presses and releases, ensuring that, while the acoustics may differ, a delightful sound profile can be achieved with each switch depending on user preferences and ambient settings.

Weight

The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to diverse preferences among users. Both switches feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally easy to press and suitable for extended typing sessions, whether at work or during long gaming marathons. However, the contrast lies in the bottom out force: while the Gateron Mars's bottom out force remains unknown, the Outemu Dustproof Red offers a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Dustproof Red the heavier option overall, providing a more substantial feel at the end of the keystroke, which some users may prefer for feedback during typing. In summary, for those who appreciate a lighter touch without a concrete bottom out force, the Mars switch is the better choice, whereas the Dustproof Red offers a bit more resistance for a reinforced typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, we find that the Gateron Mars has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Red measures 4 mm. This difference means that users favoring responsiveness in gaming might lean towards the Mars switch for its quicker actuation, offering a more immediate tactile experience. Conversely, those who appreciate a heftier feel during key presses may prefer the Dustproof Red, as its longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more substantial depth. Thus, while both switches serve distinct preferences, the Mars switch leads with its shorter travel distance, catering to the trend of swift key response favored by many gamers.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars switch is characterized by a smooth and quiet operation, making it ideal for users who prefer a discreet typing experience. The unique design of the POK stem and the combination of Nylon and POM housing contribute to this muted auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch has not been described in detail regarding its sound profile. However, it's important to note that the sound characteristics of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard build, including the choice of board and keycaps, so it is possible to achieve a similar sound experience with both options depending on these factors.

Regarding feel, the Gateron Mars switch offers a distinctive smoothness in its actuation, which many users find very appealing for both gaming and typing. This silky action is attributed to its well-designed stem that minimizes friction and enhances user experience. The feel of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch has not been explicitly detailed, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. Nevertheless, as both switches are linear, they are likely to deliver a somewhat similar experience in terms of lack of tactile feedback and a consistent actuation force.

In summary, while the Gateron Mars switch stands out for its smooth and quiet sound and feel, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch lacks detailed descriptions in those areas. However, both switches share the linear mechanism, leading to an appealing experience for users who prefer a non-tactile feel. Ultimately, the specific characteristics will depend on the individual preferences and setup, leaving room for personal experimentation with each switch to achieve the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

Ultimately, when deciding between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother keystroke with a potentially lighter actuation that allows for rapid typing without much resistance, the Gateron Mars may be your best bet. Its innovative design, which combines a POK stem with a blend of Nylon and POM, can provide an enjoyable and unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile keystroke with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams that offers a satisfying resistance, the Outemu Dustproof Red is likely to suit you better. This switch is engineered to deliver a reliable, consistent performance suited for both gaming and typing tasks. In terms of sound and feel, the Gateron Mars may offer a softer auditory experience, providing a less pronounced click, while the Outemu Dustproof Red may deliver a more audible and tactile feedback that can enhance your typing experience. In the end, your decision should be aligned with how you intend to use your keyboard, whether for gaming or typing, and which attributes matter most to you in terms of sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more