Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Silent Ocean

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Silent Ocean both present intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience, yet they each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mars switches are celebrated for their innovative design, featuring a unique POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, promoting smooth keystrokes and durability. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switches prioritize noise reduction, making them an ideal choice for users who value a quieter typing experience, whether in a shared workspace or during late-night gaming sessions. While both switches deliver the seamless action characteristic of linear switches, the Gateron Mars appeals to those seeking a balance of performance and build quality, whereas the Outemu Silent Ocean is perfect for anyone looking to minimize acoustic distractions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Mars Linear

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Silent Ocean, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean incorporates a polycarbonate top housing that yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, leading to a more crisp auditory response. Therefore, users would have to choose based on their preference for sound quality; the Mars leans toward a softer, muted experience while the Silent Ocean offers a brighter, more resonant one.

In contrast to the differences in their top housings, the bottom housings of the two switches exhibit a notable similarity. The Gateron Mars utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, which contributes a deep, muted sound profile that complements the nylon top. POM is known for its unique acoustic qualities that, when combined with nylon, enhance the overall sound experience, producing a pleasing richness. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean employs a nylon bottom housing, which echoes the soft, absorbing characteristics of its counterpart, the Mars switch. This similarity in bottom housing design means that both switches will likely deliver a well-rounded bottom-out sound, as the nylon properties create a deeper, fulsome auditory effect when keys are pressed down.

The interplay of these housing materials is crucial in understanding their overall performance. Although the Gateron Mars and Outemu Silent Ocean use different materials for their top housings, the similarities in their bottom housings lead to a shared acoustic experience during key presses. The unique sound qualities brought by the top housings dictate the distinct sound profile when the switch is released, while the bottom housings determine the sensation and sound when a key is actuated. Thus, despite the variations, enthusiasts can expect that both switches will offer pleasant typing experiences albeit with different auditory characteristics when letting go of keys—one will resonate with fullness, while the other will strike a brighter note.

Weight

The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch exhibit similarities in their actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to register a keystroke. This equal actuation force means that users will experience a comparable level of effort when pressing the keys of either switch, making both options suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force presents a distinction between the two: the Silent Ocean switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which indicates a medium-heavy resistance that may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, leaving its heavier or lighter classification unclear. Ultimately, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Silent Ocean's heavier bottom out force offers a different tactile feedback, catering to users who prefer a firmer key press.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Mars features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ocean measures 4 mm. This makes the Gateron Mars the shorter option, appealing to those who favor a more responsive keystroke suitable for fast-paced gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean's longer travel distance of 4 mm may provide a more traditional feel, delivering a deeper keystroke that some users appreciate for its more substantial tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars linear switch is often noted for its relatively muted acoustic profile compared to traditional switches, thanks to its carefully engineered materials. This can result in a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern, though specific sound characteristics may vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is designed with silent operation in mind, which typically results in an exceptionally quiet performance. Users can expect a soft thock rather than a click or clack, ideal for office settings or shared workspaces. Both switches cater to users looking for a quieter typing experience, resulting in similar performance in terms of sound dampening.

When discussing feel, the Gateron Mars switch is lauded for its smooth actuation and consistent keypresses, attributed to its unique POK stem design. Many users appreciate how it minimizes any tactile bump, delivering a seamless experience from the initial keystroke to bottoming out. Conversely, the Silent Ocean switch promises a similarly smooth linear experience, tailored for those who prefer a soft touch without abrupt interruptions during typing. While the specifics of the Silent Ocean's feel may be less documented, the linear action shared between both switches suggests that users can anticipate a comparable fluidity in their keystrokes.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Mars and Outemu Silent Ocean switches deliver noteworthy attributes, particularly for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience and smooth keystrokes. While the Mars offers innovative design features that enhance performance, the Silent Ocean is specifically engineered for sound reduction. Although the specifics of sound and feel may vary slightly, users can generally expect a satisfying typing experience with both switches, making them solid choices for anyone venturing into the mechanical keyboard world.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you’re seeking a switch that offers a smoother and potentially quieter typing experience, the Gateron Mars might be the better choice for you, particularly if you enjoy a softer feel with less resistance at bottom-out, which can lead to faster typing and less finger fatigue. However, if you prefer more tactile feedback and appreciate the sensation of a medium-heavy switch, the Outemu Silent Ocean is likely to suit your needs better, especially in quieter environments where minimizing sound during use is essential. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the acoustic setting of your workspace: go for the Mars if you want an innovative, lightweight switch that allows for quick keystrokes, while the Silent Ocean is ideal if you’re looking for a more pronounced feel and don’t mind a little extra resistance.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more