Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Silent Green

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Silent Green both present solid options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Gateron Mars stands out with its innovative design, incorporating a POK stem and a durable housing composed of a blend of Nylon and POM, providing a smooth and satisfying keypress with a distinctive feel. On the other hand, while the specific characteristics of the Outemu Silent Green aren't detailed, it typically offers a quieter linear operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a less disruptive typing experience, especially in shared spaces. Both switches cater to different preferences; the Mars appeals to users looking for unique engineering and responsiveness, while the Silent Green prioritizes a muted auditory profile. 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

Gateron Mars Linear

Outemu Silent Green Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Mars switches showcase a unique combination of nylon and POM materials in their housing, offering a distinct auditory experience. The nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which effectively absorbs sound. This results in a more muted and rounded sound when typing, creating an intimate and subdued feel that many users appreciate for quieter environments. Conversely, the POM bottom housing contributes by enhancing the overall sound dynamics, providing a pleasingly deep and muted quality that rounds off the auditory experience. Collectively, the nylon and POM materials establish a harmonious interaction, resulting in a switch that excels in producing a fuller yet soft sound signature.

In comparison, the Outemu Silent Green switches utilize polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings, which fundamentally alters their sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing is stiffer, thus generating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound than its nylon counterpart. This material choice not only contributes to a more resonant auditory experience but also enhances the visibility of RGB lighting due to its translucency. Meanwhile, the bottom housing, also crafted from polycarbonate, reinforces this clarity, allowing the sound characteristics to be brighter and more evident in every keystroke. As a result, the Silent Green switches produce a more defined and sharp sound profile, catering to users who prefer a louder and more pronounced keystroke experience.

Despite the distinct materials used in either switch, both the Gateron Mars and Outemu Silent Green offer unique auditory signatures shaped by their housing compositions. While the Mars’s combination of nylon and POM produces muted depth, the Silent Green's polycarbonate construction yields a sharper clarity. These differences illustrate how sound dynamics hinge on material properties; the nylon’s ability to absorb sound contrasts sharply with the polycarbonate’s resonance-enhancing capabilities. Therefore, users seeking a soft and rounded typing experience might gravitate towards the Gateron Mars, while those desiring a crisp and clear sound may prefer the Outemu Silent Green. Overall, each switch's distinctive materials ultimately define their differing sound profiles, providing various options to suit typing preferences.

Weight

The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This characteristic makes them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without excessive fatigue. However, the Silent Green switch features a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that it requires more force to press all the way down compared to the Mars switch, which has an unknown bottom out force. Thus, while both switches feel similar during the actuation phase, the Silent Green provides a heavier bottom out experience, giving a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter overall feel may lean towards the Mars, whereas those who prefer a heavier feedback when bottoming out would gravitate towards the Silent Green.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, we find a noticeable difference: the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Green features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction means that the Mars switch offers a quicker response time, appealing to gamers who favor shorter travel distances for enhanced performance. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, if responsiveness is your priority, the Mars switch is the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a deeper travel experience might lean towards the Silent Green.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, Gateron Mars switches offer a unique auditory experience characterized by a well-balanced tone, although specific descriptions of their sound profile are not readily available. On the other hand, Outemu Silent Green switches generally produce a quieter sound, effectively minimizing noise during typing or gaming sessions. This characteristic is beneficial in shared environments where loud keystrokes may be disruptive. Both switches will vary in sound depending on the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used, which can enhance or dampen their natural acoustics.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switches are recognized for their smooth travel and consistent actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience without any significant bumps or resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switches are also designed for a smooth feel, promoting fluid key presses that contribute to a comfortable experience. While both switches aim to deliver a smooth tactile sensation, the Mars is particularly noted for its design elements that may set it apart in terms of responsiveness and overall performance.

Overall, both the Gateron Mars and Outemu Silent Green linear switches cater to different user needs while maintaining a focus on a smooth typing experience and reduced sound output. If you seek a quieter switch, the Silent Green may be ideal, but if you aim for a more distinctive experience, the Mars should be considered. Ultimately, both switches could yield similar results in smoothness while offering unique auditory profiles, making them both compelling choices for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a smooth and unique typing experience, the Gateron Mars switches may be your best option, especially if you value innovative design and a lightweight feel. They can be particularly appealing for gamers who want rapid key presses without the fatigue of higher actuation forces. On the other hand, if you require a more robust switch that provides a clear tactile feedback and moderate resistance, the Outemu Silent Green switch, with its 60-gram bottom-out force, would be the better choice, especially for typists who prefer a more defined actuation and a quieter environment. Overall, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize a lighter, more effortless operation or if you prefer a firmer feel with added noise reduction.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Green Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more