Gateron Mars vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and KTT Pine present two appealing options, each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. The Gateron Mars Switch is celebrated for its innovative design, incorporating a unique POK stem and a durable housing blend of Nylon and POM, making it a robust choice for those seeking a responsive and consistent typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine Linear Switch captivates users with its medium-heavy actuation and buttery smooth key travel, enhanced by a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for an effortless typing experience. While the Mars offers a reliable performance with a focus on durability, the Pine excels in providing a soft and creamy touch, appealing to typists who value a tactile ease in their keystrokes. 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
58g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and KTT Pine switches showcase distinct differences in their housing materials that greatly influence the sound profiles they produce. The Mars features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer texture. This material tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is deeper and fuller. In contrast, the Pine's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which is a much stiffer plastic. As a result, it generates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of the polycarbonate also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing for customized keyboards. Therefore, the choice of top housing significantly determines not only the auditory experience but also the aesthetics for each switch.
For the bottom housings, the differences remain pronounced. The Gateron Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a unique sound that leans towards the muted and deeper side, enhancing the overall auditory experience with a certain richness. On the other hand, the KTT Pine employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, this material provides a clearer and more resonant sound, making the switch sound sharper when bottoming out. These contrasting materials create a blend of sound characteristics where the Mars offers a muted yet rich auditory experience, while the Pine delivers a more pronounced and bright sound.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch means that users will experience different sound profiles depending on the configurations. For instance, when typing on the Gateron Mars, the nylon top will contribute to the sound upon releasing a key, while the POM bottom will dull the bottom-out sound with its muted characteristic. Conversely, the KTT Pine's setup will produce a crisp and bright auditory impact from both the polycarbonate top and bottom housings. Even though both switches leverage polycarbonate for one of their housing components, they diverge in their overall sound profiles due to the varying properties of the nylon and POM materials used in the Gateron Mars. This differentiation ensures that users can find the tactile and auditory feedback they prefer based on the material choices of each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that users will experience similar resistance when initiating a keystroke. This makes both switches suitable for extended typing sessions, as neither requires a particularly heavy force to activate. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly; the KTT Pine switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Mars switch's bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that when the KTT Pine switch is fully pressed down, it provides a heavier feel, potentially offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. In contrast, without a specified bottom out force for the Mars switch, we cannot make a direct comparison in that regard. Overall, the Mars is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottoming out, while the Pine offers a heavier bottoming feel, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mars linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mars switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Pine switch, which might appeal to gamers or users who favor quicker response times in their typing or gaming experience. Conversely, the Pine's longer travel distance of 4 mm may provide a more substantial feel with a greater depth, which some users prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a hearty depth in your keystrokes.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Mars switches have not been described in detail, leaving a gap in understanding their acoustic profile. In contrast, the KTT Pine switches present a rich auditory experience characterized by a deeper, bassy sound that resonates with low-pitched tones. This bass-heavy quality, associated with the KTT Pine, provides a warm and mellow auditory backdrop during typing, which can be pleasant and satisfying for users who appreciate deeper sound profiles. It is also important to consider that the overall sound experience can be influenced by the keyboard construction and chosen keycaps, but when focusing solely on the switches, the KTT Pine's enveloping sound distinguishes it from what is known about the Mars.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Gateron Mars switches lack specific descriptions, leaving their tactile quality somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the KTT Pine switches are celebrated for their buttery and creamy feel, providing a smooth and seamless keystroke experience. This effortless typing sensation is likely attributed to their polished, factory-lubed design, which minimizes friction and enhances the overall tactile feedback. The smoothness allows the fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, making these switches highly appealing for those seeking comfort and fluidity in their typing experience. Without detailed information about the feel of the Mars switches, it is difficult to assess how they might compare.
In summary, while the Gateron Mars switches remain somewhat of an enigma in terms of sound and feel, the KTT Pine switches shine with their bassy sound profile and silky-smooth typing experience. The impression gained is that the Pine switches provide a more favorable auditory and tactile experience, appealing to those who prioritize comfort and pleasant acoustics. Without a comprehensive understanding of the Mars switches, it is challenging to draw a definitive comparison, making the Pine switches stand out as a solid choice for newcomers seeking a reliable and enjoyable mechanical keyboard switch experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you are looking for an innovative switch that combines unique materials and a potentially lighter feel, the Gateron Mars might be more suited for you; however, keep in mind that its specific bottom-out force is not disclosed. This could suggest a softer landing, making it a great option for fast-paced gaming or typing where quick key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with a medium-heavy actuation force and a rich, bassy sound profile, the KTT Pine switch would be your go-to choice. The Pine’s polished, factory-lubed finish ensures minimal friction, providing the buttery smooth typing experience that many users appreciate, especially for extended typing sessions or when precision is key. Ultimately, consider the type of work or gaming you do, as well as whether you're after a unique sound and feel, or something more traditional yet satisfyingly smooth.
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