Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switches present distinct options tailored to different user preferences. The Gateron Mars is recognized for its innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, which contributes to a smooth typing experience characterized by its consistent actuation and pleasant feel. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is designed for a quieter operation, ensuring minimal noise without sacrificing performance, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a silent workspace. While the Mars offers a unique tactile experience, the Dustproof Silent Ocean emphasizes discretion and durability with its dustproof design. Ultimately, both switches cater to specific needs within the realm of linear switches, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches, it is clear that they use different materials for their top housings. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This softer material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a notable reduction of higher frequency tones and offering a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate yields a sharper, crisper sound profile that enhances the clarity and brightness of the switch typing experience. Consequently, users looking for a more muted sound might prefer the Mars, while those who favor a livelier and more resonant sound may lean towards the Dustproof Silent Ocean.
Exploring the bottom housing of both switches reveals some interesting contrasts and similarities. The Gateron Mars pairs its nylon top housing with a POM bottom housing, which provides a unique sound that is characterized by its deeper and more muted qualities. POM, being a durable thermoplastic, often lends a pleasing acoustic profile that complements the nylon top. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean features a nylon bottom housing, mirroring the sound characteristics attributed to the Gateron Mars's top housing. This results in both switches sharing a deeper and fuller sound profile in their bottom-out sensations, despite the difference in their top materials. Thus, while their top housings diverge in sound quality, the bottom housing in the Dustproof Silent Ocean allows it to somewhat align with the Mars in terms of lower-pitched sound outputs.
Overall, when evaluating the performance of the Gateron Mars and Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches, one must consider how the distinct characteristics of their housing materials interact to create their unique sound profiles. The combination of the nylon top of the Mars and the POM bottom cultivates a rounded auditory experience, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a brilliant contrast with its polycarbonate top housing to heighten sound clarity. Yet, since both switches utilize nylon as part of their construction—whether in the top or bottom—users might still achieve a similar level of depth and fullness in their keystrokes, particularly during the bottom-out phase. Consequently, despite their apparent differences, both switches can cater to users looking for various sound profiles and tactile feedback, offering unique, yet compatible experiences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, the actuation forces are identical, both requiring 45 grams of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of initiating a keystroke. However, the two switches diverge significantly with regard to their bottom out forces. The Mars switch lacks a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to judge how it performs when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy, providing a more substantial feel upon full depression. This difference indicates that while both switches offer a light actuation, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is the heavier option overall due to its higher bottom out force. For users who prefer a lighter feeling for longer typing sessions, the Gateron Mars may be more suitable, while those who enjoy a firmer keystroke might find the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Mars switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer of the two options, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is slightly shorter. For gamers or those who prioritize fast response times, the shorter Dustproof Silent Ocean may be more appealing; however, the Mars switch provides a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
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 Silent Ocean 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 sound profile of the Gateron Mars linear switch is not explicitly detailed, but Gateron switches typically have a smooth and relatively quiet character, likely giving the Mars a more muted acoustic presence that can be conducive to a focused typing environment. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is known for its silent operation, which suggests an emphasis on minimizing sound during use. This could make the Dustproof Silent Ocean an ideal choice for those who seek a near-silent typing experience, especially in shared or quiet spaces. Both switches' sound characteristics will ultimately be influenced by factors such as the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mars linear switch stands out for its innovative design, which typically results in a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance throughout the travel. This, combined with the materials used, can enhance the tactile experience. The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, while lacking explicit descriptions of its tactile feedback, can be inferred to provide a similar smooth linear progression due to its linear nature. Users can expect a consistent keystroke without the bump characteristic of tactile or clicky switches, making both options appealing for individuals who prefer seamless and uninterrupted typing motions.
In summary, both the Gateron Mars and Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches cater to enthusiasts seeking smooth and linear experiences. While the Mars may offer a nuanced sound profile typical of Gateron quality, the Dustproof Silent Ocean excels in sound reduction, perfect for quiet environments. The feel of both switches leans toward a fluid typing experience, making either an excellent choice based on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, users will benefit from a consistent typing experience with both switches, tailored to their specific needs and settings.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and the specific typing or gaming experience you're looking for. If you prefer a smooth, silent keystroke with a blend of innovative materials like Nylon and POM, the Gateron Mars switch might be the perfect fit for you. These switches are designed for those who enjoy a premium, custom feel in their typing experience, making them suitable for long typing sessions or quiet environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile sensation with a distinct medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch would serve you well. Its design may be better suited for gaming or intense typing scenarios where feedback and resistance are more favorable. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you intend to use your keyboard—whether for quiet office environments or dynamic gaming sessions—allowing you to tailor your experience to your needs.
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