Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Green showcases the broad spectrum of typing experiences available to users. The Gateron Mars, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance, making it an excellent option for gamers and typists who prefer rapid, uninterrupted keystrokes. Its unique POK stem design, combined with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, contributes to a durable and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Green is categorized as a clicky switch and provides tactile feedback along with an audible click, which can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced response and enjoy the sound that accompanies their keystrokes. This makes it a popular choice for writers and typists who prefer a more engaging interaction with their keyboard. While both switches cater to different preferences, your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and speed or tactile feedback and auditory cues. 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
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
Standard
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 Green switches, a notable distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Mars features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon tends to absorb sound rather than reflect it, creating a muted and round tone during typing. In contrast, the Outemu Green utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This material produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, often accentuating higher frequencies, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. If both switches were to utilize the same bottom housing, one could expect a blending of sound profiles; however, due to the disparity in their top housing materials, the overall auditory experience would differ significantly.
Moving to the bottom housings, the Mars incorporates a POM bottom housing, while the Outemu Green uses a nylon bottom housing. The POM housing contributes to a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side, aligning with the Mars's objective of producing a fuller auditory experience. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Green switch shares commonalities with the Mars’s top housing, as both are soft materials known for their sound absorption capabilities. This results in a deeper, more resonant typing experience as well. Therefore, while the top housing for the Gateron Mars seeks to dampen sound, the nylon bottom of the Green complements it, fostering a consistent sensation of depth, albeit with an emphasis on different auditory characteristics based on the top-and-bottom housing interplay.
In terms of overall performance and user experience, the different combinations of housing materials in the Mars and Green switches yield distinct results. The contrast between the nylon top and POM bottom of the Mars suggests a more subdued typing sound that enriches the tactile feedback, while the fusion of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Outemu Green emphasizes a clearer auditory feedback with a rounded feel at the bottom-out point. Ultimately, while both switches aim to provide engaging typing experiences, the degree of clarity versus depth and resonance is shaped by the specific properties of these materials, leading to unique yet complementary typing experiences that might serve different preferences among users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, we see a clear distinction in their characteristics. The Gateron Mars has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that facilitates prolonged typing sessions, which can be beneficial for both professional work and extended gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch has a significantly higher actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, resulting in a heftier typing experience that some users prefer for a more substantial feel. While the bottom out force for the Mars is unknown, the difference in actuation forces indicates that it is a lighter switch overall compared to the heavier and firmer Outemu Green switch. Consequently, users who favor lighter switches for ease of use will likely lean towards the Gateron Mars, whereas those who appreciate a stronger push and tactile feedback will opt for the Outemu Green.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mars linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Green clicky switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mars switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Green switch, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prioritize quicker response times. In contrast, the Green switch, with its traditional 4 mm distance, may appeal more to those who appreciate a deeper and more tactile feel when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance, with the Gateron Mars providing a more responsive experience and the Outemu Green offering a heftier depth for a more deliberate typing experience.
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 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
The sound profile of the Gateron Mars linear switch is generally smoother and quieter, as linear switches are designed to minimize auditory feedback. This design results in a typing experience that is relatively muted, allowing for a more focused environment, especially in settings where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Outemu Green clicky switch produces a distinctive and sharp click at the actuation point, which is characteristic of clicky switches. This pronounced auditory feedback not only enhances the typing experience for users who enjoy a more tactile and auditory signal but can also be somewhat louder, making it less suitable for quiet shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mars switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bumps or clicks, making it ideal for those who prefer a fluid motion while typing. This seamless action can be especially appealing for gamers or typists who engage in fast-paced activities, as it allows for rapid key presses without interruption. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch features a notable tactile bump and a click sound at the actuation point, providing clear feedback that many users find satisfying. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy as users can feel when the switch has been actuated, though it may not cater as well to fast typing as a linear switch might.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mars and Outemu Green switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Mars provides a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the Green delivers a pronounced click and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one values a quieter, fluid action or prefers the stimulating audio and tactile feedback that can enhance typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes and prefer a quieter environment—perhaps for office settings or late-night gaming sessions—the Mars linear switch is an excellent choice due to its innovation and smooth feel. Its lighter actuation can also aid in reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. However, if you thrive on tactile feedback and audible confirmation while typing, the Outemu Green clicky switch is the way to go. With its heavier bottom-out force, it offers a more traditional typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate for both typing and gaming. In essence, if you like a system that provides both sound and tactility, the Outemu Green will likely satisfy your needs. By understanding these distinctions, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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