Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Milk Peach

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Outemu Milk Peach offer distinct experiences despite both being linear in nature. The Gateron Mars stands out for its innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which contributes to a smooth and responsive typing experience. This switch is ideal for users seeking consistent actuation without tactile feedback, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Peach, while lacking the same level of notoriety in design features, is appreciated for its affordability and decent performance. This switch may appeal to budget-conscious users who still want a reliable linear option for their keyboards. Both switches offer benefits for different types of users; the Mars promises a more premium feel while the Milk Peach provides a cost-effective solution. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Mars Linear

Outemu Milk Peach Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Milk Peach, there are distinct differences in the types of plastics used for their top housings. The Mars employs a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a rounder and more muted sound. In contrast, the Milk Peach features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. Polycarbonate’s translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing while also being conducive to a brighter sound profile. Thus, players can expect contrasting auditory experiences from each switch based on the top housing material.

The bottom housings of the two switches further differentiate their overall sound characteristics. The Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing, which is recognized for producing a unique, deep, and slightly muted sound profile. POM (Polyoxymethylene) is known for its durability and smooth feel, contributing to a pleasing tactile event when typing. In contrast, the Milk Peach employs a nylon bottom housing, which delivers a similarly deep and fuller sound, akin to the Mars's nylon top. This similarity results in a muted sound profile from the bottom housing for both switches, generating a bass-like depth when bottoming out. Despite the different materials used for the top housings, the shared nylon bottom in the Milk Peach and the nylon top in the Mars ensures some analogous auditory qualities.

The combination of materials in both switches illustrates how the sound and feel can be influenced by the individual properties of the housing materials used. Each switch presents a trade-off: the Gateron Mars offers a consistent harmony of muted sound experiences thanks to its nylon top and POM bottom, while the Outemu Milk Peach offers a layered contrast with its sharp polycarbonate top and deep nylon bottom. Players accustomed to the deeper, rounder sound of nylon might find the Milk Peach appealing due to its nostalgic characteristic in the bottom housing, while also enjoying the bright clarity provided by the polycarbonate top. Ultimately, while the switches may provide different auditory experiences depending on their materials, the similarities in sound profiles arising from the bottom housing components can create an overarching cohesive typing experience across both options.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it impossible to draw a comparison in that regard. Given that their actuation forces are identical, users can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to the effort needed to press the keys. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the same category, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch to minimize fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Without knowing the bottom out force for either switch, it is challenging to determine which might provide a firmer feel at the end of a keypress. Overall, those who enjoy a lighter actuation force would find both the Mars and Milk Peach switches to align well with their preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, it becomes clear that the Mars switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milk Peach has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Mars switch provides a bit more depth when pressing down, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Milk Peach's shorter travel distance may be more advantageous for gamers or individuals who prioritize quicker response times, potentially enabling faster actuation and increased efficiency during gameplay. Therefore, if you are looking for a more responsive experience, the Milk Peach is the better option, whereas if you favor a deeper, more nuanced feel, the Gateron Mars would be the preferable choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars switch produces a smooth and relatively quiet keystroke thanks to its innovative design, which helps to dampen noise during typing. The materials used in its construction, including a blend of Nylon and POM, contribute to a pleasant acoustic profile that many users find appealing. The Outemu Milk Peach switch, on the other hand, does not have a clearly defined sound profile available, making it difficult to compare directly. However, users should consider that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard’s construction, the type of keycaps used, and even the typing technique of the user.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switch is characterized by a smooth linear actuation, offering a satisfying and fluid typing experience that is both responsive and uniform throughout the keypress. This quality makes it an excellent option for those who enjoy a steady flow while typing or gaming. The Outemu Milk Peach switch, unfortunately, has no detailed information on its feel, leaving a gap for comparison. However, linear switches generally aim for a similar smoothness in actuation, which could lead to a comparable typing experience, depending on the specific design of these switches.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Mars switch stands out with its defined acoustic and tactile qualities, the Outemu Milk Peach switch lacks available information for a thorough comparison. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a pleasant sound profile, the Gateron Mars would likely be a more reliable choice. However, if you are open to exploring other switches, it may be worth trying the Milk Peach, keeping in mind that linear switches often offer a similar feel despite variations in design and materials. Ultimately, the choice will depend on personal preference and specific use cases.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, your choice should be informed by your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a smooth and consistent keystroke with a unique stem design for an innovative typing experience, the Gateron Mars switch may be the better fit for you. Its signature design and materials promise durability and a satisfying feel, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where you want minimal resistance. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a specific tactile feedback and sound profile that complements your typing style, the Outemu Milk Peach switch could be a more suitable option. Its design aims for a pleasing auditory experience and a distinct feel that might appeal more to enthusiasts who enjoy an engaging and noticeable keystroke. Ultimately, you should consider factors such as sound preference, key feel, and the intended use of your keyboard when making your decision between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Peach Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more