Gateron Mars vs. Jerrzi Poseidon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Jerrzi Poseidon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and the Jerrzi Poseidon stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to unique preferences and gaming needs. The Gateron Mars switches are celebrated for their innovative design, which incorporates a POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, providing a smooth and tactile experience with each keystroke. This makes them an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who prioritize responsiveness and durability. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon, while less well-known, also delivers a reliable linear switch experience, though it lacks the standout features that characterize the Mars. Choosing between the two might come down to individual preferences in feel and build quality, as both switches aim to enhance your overall typing or gaming experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Jerrzi Poseidon switches, distinct differences emerge that influence their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound due to the material's softer nature. This characteristic allows for sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience during typing. Conversely, the Poseidon employs a POM top housing, which creates an equally pleasing but uniquely muted sound. While both materials contribute to a deeper sound profile, the softer nylon of the Mars aims to absorb more sound, enhancing the overall depth and warmth, whereas the POM of the Poseidon leans toward a more balanced yet subdued acoustic resonance.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gateron Mars also incorporates POM, a material noted for delivering a consistently pleasing sound character that is muted and deeper. The Poseidon mirrors this by featuring POM as its bottom housing material as well. As such, both switches share similar sound characteristics in the bottom range, where it predominantly impacts bottom-out sounds and tactile feedback. The uniformity of POM in the bottom housing for both models suggests that the typing experience in that regard will provide a comparable feel, emphasizing the muted sound signature common to materials crafted from this polymer.
Ultimately, while the top housings differ significantly—with nylon offering a more absorbent and fuller experience compared to the more muted POM—the bottom housings of both switches align in material composition, which contributes to a consistent feel during typing. The combination of both housing types in each switch means that although users can expect variations in the top-end sound and tactile response due to the nylon versus POM contrast, the overall typing experience will still present a harmonious blend of deep, muted tones. This nuanced relationship between the materials suggests that users seeking different auditory profiles can find a satisfying experience in either model, depending on their preference for the top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, the Mars requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Poseidon has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons might find the Poseidon more suitable. However, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, making it impossible to compare their overall resistance when fully pressed down. As such, while both switches offer unique experiences, the Gateron Mars is heavier in terms of actuation force, providing a firmer feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, the Mars measures at 3.6 mm, whereas the Poseidon has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Mars switch offers a deeper keypress, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt, especially if they prefer a hearty feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Poseidon's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and quick actuation. If you're looking for enhanced responsiveness, the Poseidon is the preferable choice, while those who favor a more pronounced key travel may gravitate towards the Gateron Mars.
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 Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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 switch is noted for its smooth and relatively quiet operation, thanks to its innovative design and choice of materials, which include a blend of Nylon and POM. This combination helps reduce any potential noise generated during keystrokes, making it well-suited for quiet environments. In contrast, the sound profile of the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch is currently unknown, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound produced by each switch can depend heavily on factors such as the keyboard build and the keycap selection.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switch is designed to deliver a consistently smooth keystroke with minimal resistance throughout the keypress, which many users find satisfying during both typing and gaming sessions. This linear switch tends to appeal to those who prefer an uninterrupted, gliding sensation. On the other hand, the feel of the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch is also currently unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison. However, if the Poseidon offers a similar linear experience, you could expect akin smoothness and reliability in terms of feel, focusing on the absence of tactile feedback or noise.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mars and Jerrzi Poseidon linear switches present potential benefits for those seeking linear mechanical switches. While the Gateron Mars is characterized by its quiet sound profile and smooth feel, the Jerrzi Poseidon’s qualities remain a mystery. If you're considering these switches, you may lean towards the Gateron Mars for its established performance, but if the Poseidon can deliver similar characteristics, it could also be a contender worth exploring. Ultimately, the choice between them may come down to your personal preference and the specific feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, it's essential to consider your specific preference for typing feel and sound characteristics. If you lean towards an innovative feel, the Gateron Mars switches may suit you well with their unique POK stem design and a smooth, unmarked actuation experience that oftentimes translates into a satisfying typing motion. If you prefer a more traditional linear switch that still maintains excellent performance for both gaming and typing, the Jerrzi Poseidon might be your go-to option, especially if its characteristics align more with your tactile preferences. The sound profile can also play a pivotal role in your decision—should you enjoy a quieter operation with minimal acoustic feedback, both options are ideal as they cater to a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice will rest on how each switch feels to you and which sound profile matches your environment, whether it's a focused workspace or a collaborative setting. In the end, try to sample both switches if you can, as personal preference is often the deciding factor in choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch.
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