Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Maple Leaf present two distinct options with unique characteristics suited to different typing experiences. The Gateron Mars, recognized for its innovative design featuring a POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM for its housing, offers a smooth linear feel that appeals to gamers and typists alike who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile bumps. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf, categorized as a tactile switch, provides a noticeable feedback at the actuation point, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a more tactile response while typing, enhancing accuracy and satisfaction. While the Mars switch excels in speed and fluidity, the Maple Leaf switch stands out for its tactile feedback and engaging typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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 Maple Leaf switches both feature nylon as the material for their top housing, which offers a consistent auditory experience between the two. This choice of nylon is renowned in the mechanical keyboard community for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. When comparing the two, users would notice that both switches benefit from the softer nature of nylon, which allows for sound absorption that results in a more muted and rounded sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, those passionate about a satisfying typing experience may find that the top housing of both switches yields a similarly pleasant acoustic quality, enhancing the overall feel of typing.
However, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges in material composition, which impacts the overall sound profile and performance. The Gateron Mars utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, known for creating a unique sound that is deeper and somewhat more muted. This characteristic can lead to a distinct bottom-out sound that enhances the typist's experience, especially for those who appreciate nuanced auditory feedback upon key actuation. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf incorporates a nylon bottom housing, matching the top housing and reinforcing the consistent fuller sound profile. This application differentiates the Maple Leaf from the Mars, as its uniform nylon housing across both sections may produce a slightly less varied acoustic experience than the more complex sound dynamics of the POM/Nylon combination in the Gateron Mars.
Ultimately, the differences in bottom housing materials suggest that while both switches can create a satisfying typing experience through their nylon top housings, the overall sound and feel will vary due to the distinct properties of the bottom housings. Users of the Gateron Mars will experience a deeper, more muted sound, attributed to the POM bottom, enhancing the impact of the bottom-out feel. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf maintains a consistent nylon character throughout, promoting a conventional yet fulfilling sound profile. Therefore, while there are similarities in the top stability, the interplay between different materials in the bottom housing distinctly shapes each switch's character, giving users a unique tactile journey with each option.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Mars switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Maple Leaf switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which caters to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Furthermore, while the Mars's bottom out force remains unspecified, the Maple Leaf features a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the key is pressed all the way down. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch with less strain during prolonged use, the Gateron Mars would be the better choice, while the Outemu Maple Leaf suits those who appreciate a heftier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, there is a discernible difference between the two. The Gateron Mars boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that users of the Gateron Mars will experience a slightly deeper keypress compared to those using the Outemu Maple Leaf, which may feel more abrupt to some due to its shorter travel distance. For gamers who favor quick response times, the Maple Leaf's shorter travel may be more appealing. Conversely, those who prefer a more satisfying depth in their key presses might opt for the Mars. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference for either response time or keypress depth.
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 Maple Leaf 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, the Mars showcases its unique character through its refined auditory experience. Though specific descriptions for the sound of the Mars are not available, linear switches generally produce a smoother and quieter sound when actuated compared to their tactile counterparts. The Maple Leaf, being a tactile switch, typically offers a pronounced 'bump' sound at the actuation point, which some users find satisfying as it provides audio feedback when the switch is engaged. However, the overall sound produced will also be influenced by the keyboard’s construction and chosen keycaps, leading to potentially similar results in volume and resonance depending on the user’s setup.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars linear switch is characterized by its smooth actuation, providing an uninterrupted and consistent typing experience without any tactile feedback during the press. This makes it particularly appealing for users who prefer a clean linear feel that allows for quick keystrokes, ideal for fast typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch incorporates a noticeable tactile bump, giving users a physical indication of actuation. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more engaging feel, often resulting in a more deliberate and controlled typing style.
To summarize, while the Gateron Mars linear switch is designed for a smoother and quieter operation, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch emphasizes tactile engagement and auditory feedback. Both switches have their distinct qualities, appealing to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. If you’re inclined towards a linear switch experience or prefer tactile feedback, these options present clear avenues for satisfying those desires, though your overall results may vary based on individual preferences and keyboard configurations.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, your choice really depends on your typing preferences and what you'll be using your keyboard for. If you enjoy smooth linear travel without any tactile feedback, and you appreciate a lighter, quicker response, the Gateron Mars might just be your best bet. This switch’s unique design allows for a fluid typing experience that can be ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. On the other hand, if you value tactile feedback and prefer a more pronounced feel when you press a key, then the Outemu Maple Leaf is the way to go. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams provides a satisfying resistance, making it great for typing as it helps prevent accidental key presses. Furthermore, if you enjoy the audible click associated with tactile switches, the Maple Leaf provides the feedback that many typists find satisfying and useful for improving accuracy. Ultimately, consider what you're looking for in a key feel and sound, as these elements will influence your overall typing experience and preference.
Mentioned in this article
