Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Outemu Purple offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Gateron Mars, known for its innovative POK stem and housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, is designed as a linear switch, providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke ideal for gamers and those who value a fast and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch, which means it features a noticeable bump during the keypress, making it a favorite among typists who appreciate feedback with each stroke. While the Mars excels in speed and fluidity, making it perfect for rapid gaming scenarios, the Purple's tactile response caters to those who seek an engaging, satisfying typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The Gateron Mars and Outemu Purple switches showcase contrasting housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Mars features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper, fuller sound thanks to its softer plastic composition. This quality allows the housing to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a sound that is more muted and rounded. In contrast, the Outemu Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate not only contributes to a crisper audio experience but also enhances visual appeal, particularly in RGB-capable setups due to its translucency. Therefore, while both switches can provide satisfying auditory feedback, the Mars leans towards a warmer sound, while the Purple offers a more pronounced and resonant experience.
Examining the bottom housing, the Gateron Mars employs a POM material that is renowned for producing a unique and pleasing audio character leaning towards a deeper tone. This muted quality complements the nylon top housing's sound absorption, reinforcing a cohesive sound profile that is rich yet softer. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple has a nylon bottom housing, which similarly promotes a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Given that both switch types employ nylon in different configurations, the Purple maintains its characteristic sound depth akin to the Mars, albeit with the added sharpness imparted by its polycarbonate top. This dual-layered approach means that both switches can still achieve a somewhat compatible auditory experience despite the differences in their top materials.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both the Gateron Mars and Outemu Purple switches ensures that sound characteristics are influenced by each component. With the Mars's nylon top and POM bottom, users are treated to a sound profile defined primarily by warmth and depth, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Purple combines the sharp sound of polycarbonate with the distinctive deeper qualities of nylon, allowing for a more balanced auditory sensation. Thus, even though the switches utilize different materials, both can cater to users seeking either a warm or a more defined sound profile, highlighting the versatility of mechanical switches in accommodating diverse preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, the Mars features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Purple's 50 grams. This difference means that the Mars switch may be more suitable for users who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to actuate, potentially reducing fatigue over time. However, both switches have unavailable bottom out force measurements, making it difficult to evaluate the overall force experienced when the key is fully pressed down. In essence, while Gateron Mars offers a lighter touch for easier actuation, the Outemu Purple provides a slightly heavier feel for those who might appreciate a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, we see a clear distinction in their specifications. The Gateron Mars features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Purple has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're seeking a switch that offers a quicker response time, the Gateron Mars might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke feel that provides a deeper typing experience, the Outemu Purple could be more appealing with its longer travel distance. Overall, the Gateron Mars is the shorter of the two, making it ideal for gamers seeking speed, whereas the Outemu Purple offers more depth, which could suit typists looking for a different tactile sensation.
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 Purple 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 Gateron Mars linear switch is generally recognized for its smooth operation, producing a quieter auditory profile. In contrast, the Outemu Purple tactile switch emits a sound that is characterized by a noticeable 'click' at the actuation point, making it more audible during typing. While both switches can exhibit variations in sound depending on the keyboard's construction and keycap materials, the Mars tends to provide a more subdued experience compared to the distinct sound of the Purple.
When it comes to feel, the Mars switch is designed for a fluid typing experience, with a smooth linear action from top to bottom. This creates a comfortable and consistent actuation without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the Purple switch features a tactile bump that provides feedback during each key press. This tactile sensation can enhance typing accuracy for some users, as it offers a distinct signal that the key has been actuated, contrasting with the seamless glide of the Mars switch.
In summary, if you're looking for a quieter experience with a smooth feel, the Gateron Mars linear switch would align with those preferences. Alternatively, if you enjoy the pronounced feedback and sound of a click when typing, the Outemu Purple tactile switch would be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value a silent, fluid action or a more interactive and audible typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between Gateron Mars linear switches and Outemu Purple tactile switches, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience without tactile feedback, the Gateron Mars switches, with their innovative design, may be the ideal choice for you. They excel in gaming environments where rapid key presses can enhance performance, as their linear nature allows for fluid movement without any bumps to disrupt your rhythm. Conversely, if you enjoy the tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Outemu Purple switches are the way to go. These switches provide a satisfying bump that signals an actuation, making them particularly suitable for typing tasks where you want to feel each key press with more precision. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and speed or tactile confirmation and responsiveness in your keyboard interactions.
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