Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Milk Blue

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Milk Blue often boils down to personal preference in tactile feedback and typing experience. The Gateron Mars, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance, making it an ideal choice for gamers and individuals who enjoy rapid key presses without any tactile bump or click sound. Its innovative design, which combines a POK stem with a durable housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, offers a unique feel that's both responsive and reliable. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch, classified as a clicky switch, provides an audible and tactile response with each key press, appealing to typists and those who relish the satisfying sound and feel of their keystrokes. The Milk Blue’s distinctive click can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a more engaging and interactive feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch that fits your unique needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Mars Linear

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Mars and Outemu Milk Blue switches utilize distinct materials for their housing components, resulting in different auditory and tactile experiences when typing. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer and more sound-absorbing qualities. This allows for a deeper, fuller sound profile, which tends to produce a more muted and rounded auditory response. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue uses a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The resulting sound profile leans towards a clearer and more resonant tone, making it an attractive choice for users who prefer brighter acoustic feedback. This contrast in materials highlights the impact that housing composition has on the acoustics of mechanical switches.

Looking at the bottom housing, we see another difference between the two switches. The Gateron Mars incorporates a POM bottom housing, known for producing a unique and muted deeper sound. This contributes to a more subdued acoustic experience overall, enhancing the muted profile initiated by the nylon top. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Blue's bottom housing is made from nylon, which, similar to the Mars’s top housing, helps create a rich, deeper sound profile. The nylon's sound-absorbing properties provide a fuller return during key presses, but when coupled with polycarbonate above, results in a split auditory personality between a brighter top end and a deeper bottom foundation, setting the two switches apart in their overall sound experience.

Considering how these differing materials in the top and bottom housings of each switch create unique characteristics, we can anticipate that if they share similar materials in either housing, they could produce comparable auditory results. For example, the Gateron Mars would deliver a much rounder sound owing to its nylon top housing, while the Milk Blue's nylon bottom would lend itself to a more consistent full sound due to the synergy created with the POM top. Thus, while each switch showcases its own individual traits shaped by the choice and combination of housing materials, the interplay of these components ensures a wealth of acoustic experiences tailored to the preferences of various typists.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, we see a notable difference in actuation force. The Mars switch requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for prolonged use during work or lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milk Blue switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, offering a firmer push that appeals to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches have undisclosed bottom out forces, which limits a direct comparison in that aspect. However, given the information available, it is clear that the Gateron Mars is the lighter option, while the Outemu Milk Blue is the heavier choice. Thus, users seeking a softer touch may gravitate towards the Mars, while those desiring a stronger tactile experience might opt for the Milk Blue.

Travel distance

The Gateron Mars linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance illustrates a key distinction between the two switches: the Mars offers a slightly shorter keypress, making it potentially more responsive and appealing to gamers who favor quicker reaction times. In contrast, the Milk Blue's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper feel, which may be more satisfying for users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke and don't mind a bit of added travel. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Mars would be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a more tactile and traditional typing experience, the Milk Blue may suit you better.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars linear switch produces a smooth and subdued auditory profile. Linear switches like the Mars generally prioritize silence, making them ideal for environments where noise may be a concern. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is designed to deliver a satisfying, pronounced click sound with every keystroke. This clicky sound is characteristic of switches that provide tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy an audible confirmation when typing. Given the differences in their designs—linear versus clicky—the two switches will present very distinct auditory experiences.

In terms of feel, the Mars switch offers a consistently smooth keystroke, thanks to its linear nature. This smooth operation is enhanced by the innovative POK stem, which ensures a lack of tactile bumps, making it a great choice for fast typists looking for seamless key presses. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch provides a tactile bump that users can feel, making the typing experience more engaging and intentional. The tactile feedback is complemented by its audible click, allowing typists to have a more interactive experience with each stroke.

In summary, the Gateron Mars and Outemu Milk Blue switches cater to very different preferences. The Mars is suited for those who value silence and smooth key strokes, while the Milk Blue appeals to users who enjoy audible and tactile feedback. Ultimately, selecting between these two will depend largely on whether you prioritize a quiet linear experience or a clicky, tactile one. Both options have their own merits, allowing you to achieve a satisfying typing experience, just through different means.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with minimal resistance and prefer a quieter environment, the Gateron Mars linear switch would be an excellent choice. Its innovative design and the materials used in its construction provide a unique feel that many typists find satisfying for both casual and heavy typing sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and an audible click to enhance your typing experience, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch would be more up your alley. The pronounced click sound and tactile bump make it ideal for users who enjoy a more engaging and interactive feel when typing. Consider your typical usage scenarios—whether you're gaming, coding, or just casually browsing—and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences for sound and tactile response. In the end, understanding your personal typing style will guide you in selecting the switch that best complements your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more