Gateron Mars vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and KTT Phalaenopsis each offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Gateron Mars, recognized for its innovative POK stem and a housing blend of Nylon and POM, presents a smooth linear switch that promotes swift key presses without tactile interruptions, making it an ideal choice for gamers and those who prefer a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis, celebrated for its beautiful translucent design, features a light actuation force of 37g that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions, coupled with a satisfying 50g tactile force that delivers a pronounced tactile bump with each keystroke, appealing to typists who appreciate feedback in their typing. While both switches cater to unique needs—smoothness versus tactile satisfaction—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches, a clear distinction can be drawn between the top housing compositions. The Gateron Mars utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for its softer texture that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's ability to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted acoustic experience that many enthusiasts appreciate for its warmth. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis features a polycarbonate top housing that promotes a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. As a result, users can expect noticeably different sound signatures when engaging with these two switches.
Turning to the bottom housing materials of these switches, both the Gateron Mars and KTT Phalaenopsis continue to exhibit differentiation that impacts their overall acoustic performance. The Mars employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, renowned for producing a muted and deeper sound profile. This bottom housing lends a unique auditory quality that some users find particularly satisfying. Conversely, the Phalaenopsis features polycarbonate also in its bottom housing, which contributes to a resonant and higher-pitched sound profile. This variation in materials results in distinct auditory experiences; while the Mars's POM bottom brings its deeper muted tones to the typist's experience, the Phalaenopsis's all-polycarbonate construction enhances clarity across the board.
In essence, the differences in material composition create unique sensory outcomes when typing on each switch. With the nylon and POM combination in the Mars, users are likely to appreciate a fuller, more subdued sound with deep acoustics, while the KTT Phalaenopsis offers a bright and crisp auditory experience due to its all-polycarbonate construction. Both configurations lead to an interesting synergy of sound and feel; the top housing primarily influences the sound profile upon key release, while the bottom housing affects the keystroke's bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. For enthusiasts assessing their preferences, the choice between these two switches comes down to whether they favor a warmer, muted experience or a bright, resonant quality in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mars switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is heavier than the Phalaenopsis's lighter 37-gram actuation force. This means that the Mars switch requires more force to register a keypress, which may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unavailable, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison in that regard. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating it provides a distinct tactile feedback and a definitive end when the key is fully pressed down. For users who favor a lighter switch for longer typing sessions, the KTT Phalaenopsis is the preferable option, while heavier users may lean toward the Gateron Mars for its firmer actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there is a clear distinction: the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Phalaenopsis extends to 4.0 mm. This means that the Mars switch is the shorter option, catering to users who prefer a more responsive feel, often favored by gamers. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis offers a longer travel distance, which may provide a more pronounced tactile sensation for those who appreciate a deeper press. Consequently, users who favor a quicker response time may opt for the Gateron Mars, whereas those who prefer a hearty depth in their typing experience would find the KTT Phalaenopsis more suitable. With these differences in mind, the choice between these two switches largely depends on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness in key travel.
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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 is known for its smooth operation, though additional details about its specific sound profile are not provided. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is characterized by its deep, bassy sound and thocky quality. This means that when a key is pressed, it produces a satisfying thud, reminiscent of a well-crafted piano note. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the ultimate sound experience is influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, which can modulate the acoustic character of each switch.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, while the Mars switch offers a smooth keystroke, specific tactile feedback details are absent. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis tactile switch features a stepped feel, providing a discernible tactile bump during each press. This step creates a two-stage sensation, offering mild tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user. Such a design can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions while still ensuring a clear response with each keystroke.
In summary, while the Gateron Mars linear switch delivers a silky-smooth typing experience, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is distinguished by its rich, satisfying sound and unique stepped tactile feedback. Those seeking a more linear typing experience may find the Mars to be a suitable choice, while users who prefer a tactile response with a considerable auditory cue may gravitate towards the Phalaenopsis. Each switch has its own merits, and the decision ultimately hinges on individual preferences regarding sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you’re someone who prioritizes smoothness and speed, the Mars switch would be an excellent choice due to its innovative design and linear actuation. This makes it ideal for gaming and fast-paced activities where every millisecond counts, allowing for quick key presses without any tactile feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile experience that provides clear feedback with each keystroke, the Phalaenopsis is likely the better option. Its 50g tactile force and distinct bump make it particularly well-suited for typing tasks, where the satisfying feel can help enhance your overall experience and reduce finger fatigue during long sessions. Additionally, if sound is a consideration for you, the rich, thocky sound profile of the Phalaenopsis can provide an enjoyable auditory feedback that many enthusiasts find appealing. Ultimately, whether you choose the Mars for its linear smoothness or the Phalaenopsis for its tactile response will depend on your personal preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard.
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