Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Outemu Lotus present two intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Gateron Mars is celebrated for its innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM in its housing, which contributes to a smoother keystroke and enhanced durability. This makes the Mars an appealing choice for those who prioritize a consistent and reliable typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus, while lacking specific standout features often highlighted in reviews, is generally recognized as an affordable and accessible choice that may appeal to gamers and casual typists alike. Both switches offer their unique advantages, whether you’re seeking innovation and premium materials with the Mars or a budget-friendly option with the Lotus. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
The Gateron Mars and Outemu Lotus switches share similarities in their top housing material, both utilizing nylon, known for its distinctive acoustic properties. When typing on either switch, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the inherent softness of nylon, which helps absorb sound waves rather than reflecting them. This characteristic allows each switch to produce a duller, rounder auditory experience that many typists find satisfying. Thus, the sound profile associated with the top housing is likely to be comparable across both switches, leading to similar auditory experiences when using them in a keyboard.
However, the distinction between the switches becomes apparent in their bottom housing materials. The Gateron Mars features a POM (polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, acclaimed for delivering a unique and pleasing sound, tilted towards a deeper tone with a muted quality. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus continues the use of nylon for its bottom housing. While both switches benefit from a nylon exterior on the top, the POM bottom housing of the Mars introduces a different tactile and auditory dynamic, particularly noticeable during the bottoming-out phase of a key press. This divergence implies that while the Mars may offer a richer sound experience on bottoming out, the Lotus retains a fuller and more consistent profile throughout use, also producing a rounded sound.
When considering the combined effects of the housing materials, it's clear that the overall typing experience will vary based on the balance struck between the two housings. In the Gateron Mars, the POM bottom housing accentuates the tactile feedback and sound during the key press, while the nylon top remains influential on release. In the case of the Outemu Lotus, both top and bottom housings promote a similar type of sound profile due to the consistent use of nylon. This equivalency in materials hints at a more uniform auditory experience; however, the Mars may still appeal to those seeking a touch of acoustic diversity due to its POM lower housing. Ultimately, user preference in sound and feel will dictate which switch aligns more closely with one's typing style.
Weight
The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch showcase distinct differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces, impacting user experience based on preference. The Mars switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a firmer touch compared to the Outemu Lotus, which features a lighter actuation force of only 35 grams. This means that the Mars switch requires more effort to register a keystroke, making it potentially preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Mars is listed as unavailable, making it difficult to compare its full travel force directly to the Lotus's specified bottom out force of 50 grams. Nonetheless, we know that the Lotus's lower actuation force and heavier bottom out result in a balance of comfort and feedback, ideal for users who favor lighter switches for extended use. In conclusion, the Mars is the heavier switch in terms of actuation force, while the Lotus provides a lighter typing experience but has a higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Mars switch offers a slightly deeper press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Lotus switch’s shorter travel distance can provide quicker responsiveness, making it potentially more favorable for gamers seeking rapid key presses. Overall, the choice between these switches largely depends on personal preference; those who enjoy a deeper typing experience might lean towards the Mars, whereas those who prioritize speed and quick feedback may opt for the Lotus.
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 Lotus 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 switch is characterized by a smooth and subdued auditory profile, which allows for a relatively quiet typing experience. This may appeal to users who prefer a more discreet environment or work in shared spaces. Conversely, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Lotus switch is currently unspecified, leaving its acoustic characteristics an unknown factor. It’s important to remember that the sound produced by any switch can vary based on the keyboard's construction, including the materials and design of the board and keycaps used.
Regarding the feel, the Gateron Mars switch is known for its light actuation force and smooth travel, providing a pleasant and effortless typing experience. Users often appreciate its responsiveness, which can enhance both gaming and typing performance. On the other hand, details about the tactile feedback or overall feel of the Outemu Lotus switch are not available. Therefore, it’s difficult to directly compare the physical sensations these switches provide.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mars linear switch stands out for its quiet sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for users who value a subtle yet responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Lotus switch lacks sufficient information on both sound and feel, making it challenging to determine its standing relative to the Mars. Ultimately, those looking for a refined and more predictable typing experience may lean toward the Gateron Mars, as it provides known qualities that promise satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Lotus linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a switch that emphasizes smoothness and a lightweight feel, the Gateron Mars could be your ideal match, especially considering its innovative design and superior materials like the Nylon and POM blend, which contribute to a unique tactile experience. The Mars is perfect for users who prioritize a seamless keystroke without a bottom out resistance interfering with their flow, making it an excellent choice for gaming or extended typing sessions where speed is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit of feedback and a more deliberate typing experience, the Outemu Lotus, with its light 50-gram bottom out force, may suit you better. This switch offers a slightly more defined actuation, which can help with precision in typing and gaming applications. Ultimately, your decision should align with your specific needs, whether you lean towards the smoother, more advanced feel of the Gateron Mars or the straightforward, lightweight responsiveness offered by the Outemu Lotus.
Mentioned in this article
