Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to tactile feel and sound feedback, and the Gateron Mars and Outemu Spring Breeze offer two distinct experiences. The Gateron Mars, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and quiet operation, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a distraction-free environment. Its unique design, featuring a POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, ensures durability and consistency with every press. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze stands out as a clicky switch, providing satisfying auditory feedback that many users find rewarding, particularly for typing. This pronounced click can enhance the typing experience by giving a clear indication of actuation, making it a favorite among writers and those who appreciate a more interactive feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches, it is evident that there is a significant similarity concerning the top housing. Both switches utilize nylon as their top housing material, which is well-regarded for its acoustic properties. Nylon's softer structure contributes to a sound profile that is described as deeper and fuller, providing a typing experience that is less harsh and more rounded. This commonality between the Mars and Spring Breeze means that users can expect a relatively consistent acoustic performance when typing, as both switches will absorb sound similarly and deliver a muted auditory feedback.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly. The Gateron Mars employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, which is known for its unique acoustic properties that result in a deeper and more pleasing sound. This material tends to produce a more subdued sound profile, contributing to an overall typing experience that feels both satisfying and textured. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze features a nylon bottom housing. While it shares the same material as the top housing, this can lead to a more uniform sound that might lack the distinct acoustic qualities provided by the POM material in the Mars. As such, the bottom-out experience and sound of the Spring Breeze, while still pleasant, may not have the same resonance and complexity as that of the Mars.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in each switch leads to a unique experience for users. The Gateron Mars balances the softer, pleasing acoustic quality of its nylon top with the distinct sound and feel of its POM bottom housing, creating a rich experience upon both key presses and releases. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze offers a consistent feel and sound profile derived from its dual nylon construction, making for a more uniform experience throughout. Thus, while both switches may deliver similar auditory effects from the top housing, the true distinction lies in the different foundational interactions experienced when pressing the keys, ultimately affecting the overall typing feel and sound.
Weight
The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mars features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This makes the Spring Breeze a better option for those who prefer a lighter keystroke, allowing for easier typing over long periods or during extensive gaming sessions. However, the Mars switch does not provide specific information on its bottom out force, leaving that aspect unknown. In contrast, the Spring Breeze has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which categorizes it as medium-light, indicating a firmer push when pressing down all the way. This heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger feedback sensation. Overall, while the Spring Breeze is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, its bottom out force is heavier compared to the unspecified bottom out force of the Mars switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, there's a notable difference. The Mars switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Spring Breeze, which has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that users who prefer quicker response times may gravitate towards the Gateron Mars, as its shorter travel distance can facilitate faster key presses—ideal for gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze, with its traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced keystroke that some users might find more satisfying, providing a deeper typing experience. Therefore, while both switches serve different preferences, the Mars is the shorter option, catering to those who favor speed, while the Spring Breeze appeals to users who enjoy a fuller keystroke.
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 Spring Breeze 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 offers a sound profile that is typically smooth and relatively quiet, ideal for environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch produces a distinctly audible click with each actuation, providing a satisfying tactile response that many enthusiasts enjoy. The pronounced sound of the Spring Breeze adds a layer of interactivity to typing, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Mars linear switch is designed to provide a smooth and consistent experience without any tactile bumps or audible feedback, allowing for rapid keystrokes and a fluid typing experience. This makes it particularly favored by gamers and those who prioritize speed over tactile sensations. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze features a tactile click that enhances feedback with each press, making it suitable for typists who enjoy the physical indication that they've actuated a key. This can foster a more engaging typing experience, especially for those who type by touch.
In summary, while the Gateron Mars linear switch leans towards a quiet and smooth feel, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch rewards users with a more audible and tactile engagement. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different types of users. If you seek a subtle, linear response, the Mars is excellent, whereas if you enjoy a pronounced clicky experience, the Spring Breeze may be your best bet.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that enhances your gaming experience or typing rhythm, the Gateron Mars might be the best fit for you, especially if you're seeking a quieter environment without the distraction of click sounds. Its unique design could provide a satisfying experience if you relish linear switches that allow for faster actuation without additional auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and audible clicks that accompany your typing, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch is likely the better choice. Its medium-light actuation force makes it a comfortable option for prolonged typing and can be particularly gratifying if you appreciate the tactile sensation that indicates when a key has been actuated. In summary, let your typing needs guide your selection; opt for the Mars when you want smooth linearity and minimal noise, and choose the Spring Breeze when you crave that satisfying click and tactile response in your keystrokes.
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