Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Tom offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Mars is a linear switch renowned for its smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking fast response times and fluid gameplay. Its innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM housing, ensures durability and consistency with every press. In contrast, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch that provides noticeable feedback upon actuation, appealing to typists and those who enjoy a more pronounced sensation while typing. This tactile bump not only enhances typing accuracy but also offers a satisfying experience for users who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes. Both switches cater to unique preferences; while the Mars excels in speed and smoothness, the Tom is favored for its tactile feedback. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Tom switches, distinct differences emerge, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its soft plastic properties. This material absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. In contrast, the Tom's polycarbonate top housing lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate not only offers clarity in sound production but also emphasizes resonance, making it particularly beneficial for RGB lighting scenarios due to its translucency. Thus, users can expect notably different auditory experiences when typing on these switches, shaped primarily by their top housing materials.
The bottom housing of these switches showcases a different set of contrasts, with the Mars featuring a POM bottom housing and the Tom featuring a nylon bottom housing. The POM material used in the Mars is known for creating a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. This contrasts with the nylon bottom of the Tom, which similarly absorbs sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound, akin to the Mars's top housing characteristics. In this case, both switches leverage nylon to enhance their sound profiles, creating a harmony that results in deeper tones when typing. Despite the differences in their top housings, the use of nylon in the Tom’s bottom housing provides a certain level of continuity in sound experience.
Overall, the synthesis of the different materials in both the Gateron Mars and Outemu Tom switches leads to unique yet complementary experiences. The contrasting characteristics of the top and bottom housings affect the overall typing feel and sound—where the Mars's nylon top softens the sound and provides depth, the Tom's polycarbonate top sharpens and clarifies it. However, both models benefit from nylon elements, which contribute to a more muted, deeper sound. Consequently, while users can expect a distinct tonal experience depending on the switch they choose, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings serves to create a commonality that can lead to similarly satisfying outcomes in terms of sound depth, making these switches enjoyable for different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, we see a distinct difference: the Mars requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Tom has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter keypress for extended typing sessions or gaming will likely favor the Mars switch, as it requires less effort to actuate. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel, the Tom's heavier actuation force may be more appealing. Unfortunately, both switches lack data on their bottom out forces, leaving us without a basis for comparison in that regard. Overall, the Mars is the lighter option, making it suitable for prolonged use, while the Tom may better satisfy those who appreciate a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tom measures at 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Mars has a longer travel distance compared to the Tom, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more cushioned and deliberate keystroke experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Tom aligns with the preferences of gamers who favor quicker response times and more immediate feedback. For users who appreciate a balance between responsiveness and depth, the Mars switch could be seen as the ideal option, whereas the Tom caters more towards those seeking rapid input actions. Thus, depending on personal preference for key feel and usage, selecting between the two will hinge on whether one values depth or responsiveness in their typing experience.
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 Tom 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars linear switches are designed to produce a smooth and relatively quiet keystroke, making them an excellent choice for users seeking a minimal sound profile during typing or gaming. The unique materials used in their construction help dampen any noise, leading to a more muted acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switches are incrementally louder than linear switches due to their tactile bump, which produces a distinct sound when actuated. This gives users audible feedback, which can be advantageous for those who appreciate an auditory cue with each keypress. However, it's essential to consider that the sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by the board it's mounted on and the type of keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Mars switches deliver smooth and consistent keystrokes, characteristic of many linear switches, providing an effortless typing experience. The absence of tactile feedback allows for rapid key presses, making these switches particularly suitable for fast-paced gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switches offer a noticeable bump at the actuation point, giving users a satisfying tactile sensation with each press. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and confidence, making it a favored option for typists who prefer to feel the switch activate under their fingers.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mars linear and Outemu Tom tactile switches cater to different preferences among keyboard users. The Mars switches are ideal for those seeking a smooth, quiet experience without tactile feedback, while the Tom switches appeal to individuals who appreciate the auditory and tactile feedback of a bump. If you gravitate towards one quality over the other, remember that the overall experience will also depend on your keyboard’s construction and the way in which switches interact with the keycaps you choose.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between Gateron Mars linear switches and Outemu Tom tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you appreciate a smooth and uninterrupted keypress, the Gateron Mars linear switches are an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy gaming or fast-paced typing without the tactile bump to slow you down. The innovative POK stem design coupled with a nylon and POM housing contributes to a unique feel and sound that is quieter, making them ideal for shared or quiet environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience that provides feedback with each keystroke, the Outemu Tom switches would be more suitable. They deliver a distinct tactile bump that enhances typing accuracy, making them favorable for tasks like coding or writing, where you benefit from the physical confirmation of each keypress. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, the type of tasks you frequently engage in, and your sound preferences in your workspace.
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