Gateron Mars vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various options tailored to their typing preferences. The Gateron Mars switch stands out for its innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a unique housing material made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which contributes to its smooth operation. Ideally suited for those seeking responsive keystrokes without tactile feedback, the Mars delivers a consistently linear experience. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switch is celebrated for its syrupy smooth typing feel and deep, thocky sound profile, making it a favorite for users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience while maintaining the benefits of a linear switch. Both switches cater to different user preferences: the Mars for its cutting-edge materials and smooth activation, and the Peach for its satisfying auditory feedback paired with a balanced actuation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and KTT Peach switches, we first encounter the distinct types used in their top housings. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer and more absorbent properties. This characteristic results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as the nylon effectively dampens harsher sounds, leading to a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Peach utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is significantly stiffer and yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This rigidity allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile, often described as crisper. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal when used with RGB lighting, promoting vibrant color effects. While these materials foster different auditory experiences, both can offer satisfying typing sounds tailored to user preferences, depending on whether one favors a muted or a clearer acoustic quality.
When we shift our focus to the bottom housings, we see a different pairing that creates an interesting contrast. The Gateron Mars employs a POM bottom housing, which produces a unique sound profile characterized by its deeper and more muted qualities. This aligns well with the overall aesthetic of the Mars switch, as the softer plastics used help achieve a more subdued typing experience. Meanwhile, the KTT Peach features a nylon bottom housing, further emphasizing the deeper tones similar to the Gateron Mars. This shared material brings a fuller, rounder sound to the Peach's typing experience as well. The duality of the bottom housing materials allows for nuanced differences in the overall auditory experience of each switch, despite employing nylon in the Peach's base, which echoes the sound absorption quality of the Mars's top housing.
Ultimately, the interplay between top and bottom housing materials in each switch creates a composite sound profile that highlights the unique attributes of their respective materials. For the Gateron Mars, the nylon top combined with a POM bottom offers a rounded and muted sound, driven primarily by its softer top housing during key release. The KTT Peach, on the other hand, combines a sharper polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom to yield a more varied sound profile—crisp on the upstroke due to the polycarbonate and full on the bottom out due to the nylon. In essence, while each switch employs different materials for their tops, both offer a rounded and deep typing experience at a base level, promoting the idea that variations in auditory feedback can be achieved through careful material selection in switch design.
Weight
The Gateron Mars and KTT Peach linear switches present interesting comparisons in terms of actuation force and bottom-out force. Both switches share an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive and suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom-out force, the KTT Peach has a specified bottom-out force of 53 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully pressed down, whereas the bottom-out force for the Mars switch is not available. This difference implies that the KTT Peach offers a more substantial feedback when bottoming out, which may cater to those who prefer a stronger tactile sensation during their keystrokes. Therefore, while both switches have the same actuation force, the KTT Peach's additional bottom-out resistance designates it as the heavier option in this comparison.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Peach has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mars switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may be more appealing to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Peach switch, with its longer travel distance, might be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on keys. Thus, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for either a quicker, more abrupt keypress or a fuller, more traditional 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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 switches have not been characterized in detail, leaving room for interpretation based on personal experience and the setup used. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switches are known for their low-pitched, thocky sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, complemented by a neutral sound quality. This means that the Peaches strike a balance between neither being too loud nor too quiet, making them suitable for a versatile range of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Sound perception can be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap material used, but generally, the Peach switches promise a more defined acoustic quality.
In terms of feel, while the Mars switches lack specific descriptions, we do know that the KTT Peach switches offer a mild mechanical typing experience. This mildness means they deliver a gentle, smooth sensation each time a key is pressed, making them approachable for users of all experience levels. The combination of the syrupy smoothness promised by the Peach switches and their gentle engagement makes them particularly user-friendly, minimizing typographical errors and enhancing overall comfort during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mars switches remain somewhat enigmatic regarding their sound and feel, the KTT Peach switches distinctly offer a low-pitched, thocky sound along with a mild, smooth typing sensation. If you're seeking an engaging typing experience that is user-friendly, the Peaches seem to provide a clear advantage in terms of both audio feedback and tactile response. Ultimately, if you're looking for familiarity and comfort, either switch could deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on your personal tastes and setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Mars and KTT Peach linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value innovation and unique construction, the Gateron Mars could be a great option, especially if you seek a lighter switch that offers a different experience from traditional linear switches. However, if you prefer a more traditional feel with a medium-light bottom-out force, and you're looking for that smooth typing experience combined with a deep, thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach would be the better choice. The Peach switches are particularly approachable, making them ideal for both newcomers and experienced users, whereas the Mars might appeal to those looking to experiment with their keyboard's acoustics and mechanics. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and the overall ambiance you want for your keyboard to guide your decision.
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