Gateron Mars vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing style, the Gateron Mars and KTT Purple Star are two intriguing linear options that stand out for their unique characteristics. The Gateron Mars switches are celebrated for their innovative design, which combines a POK stem with a durable housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, providing a reliable feel that balances stability and subtle feedback. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switches are known for their all-POM construction that ensures a buttery smooth typing experience paired with a neutral sound signature, making them particularly appealing for those who prefer a quiet environment. With a light 45g bottom-out force, the Purple Star switches cater to lighter typists who prioritize ease and comfort in their keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages depending on your personal preferences and typing habits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
The Gateron Mars and KTT Purple Star switches differ significantly in the material used for their top housings, which influences their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Mars features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a muted, rounded audio experience that many users may find pleasurable during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Purple Star switch utilizes a POM top housing, which also creates a unique sound but is characterized by its distinct quality. While both materials share a common theme of delivering deeper sound profiles, nylon's absorption capabilities give the Mars an edge in creating a more pronounced feel during key releases.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals another layer of comparison, as they both employ POM material. The choice of POM for the bottom housing in both switches ensures that users will experience an equally pleasing and unique sound when the switch is bottomed out. POM's properties contribute to the overall muted sound profile, making for a cohesive auditory experience in both types of switches. As the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Mars and Purple Star will provide seamless results in terms of user feedback, regardless of the difference in top housing materials.
When considering the overall impact of the Gateron Mars and KTT Purple Star on the typing experience, it’s clear that the disparate top housing materials complement one another beautifully. While the Mars's nylon top provides a softer, deeper sound, the Purple Star’s POM top contributes to a slightly different but equally rich acoustic signature. However, due to their similar POM bottom housings, both switches ensure a consistent sound profile when bottomed out, highlighting how the combination of materials results in unique yet comparably satisfying typing experiences. Ultimately, users can expect a distinctive auditory journey influenced by the characteristics of each housing, with the integral role of the bottom housing ensuring that both switches still deliver compelling features in their performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, we see some interesting distinctions. The Gateron Mars features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the KTT Purple Star has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Purple Star is the lighter option, which may appeal to users looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the Mars does not have a specified bottom out force, making it challenging to directly compare the overall force required to fully depress the switch. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a stronger push to reach the bottom of the keypress. This heavier bottom out may lend a more substantial feel for users who prefer that tactile feedback. Consequently, for those seeking a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience, the KTT Purple Star stands out, while those who appreciate a firmer push may prefer the Gateron Mars despite its unknown bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, we find that the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple Star has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that delivers a bit more depth during key presses, the Gateron Mars would be the preferable choice, offering a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star, being the shorter of the two, may provide quicker responsiveness, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster reaction times. Although both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4 mm, the Mars allows for a deeper key press, which could be more satisfying for some users. Thus, your preference for depth or responsiveness will ultimately guide your decision between the two.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Mars switches produce a tonal quality that aligns more closely with traditional linear switches, though specific descriptors were not provided. This means that they may have a moderate sound signature that typically lacks the pronounced click of tactile or clicky switches while remaining relatively quiet during operation. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switches have a low-pitched sound profile that offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, enhancing the overall experience without distracting noise. The sound characteristics of both switches will also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps, but the Mars may generally share a more neutral acoustic identity compared to the more pronounced low-pitched nature of the Purple Star.
When discussing the feel, the Gateron Mars switches are characterized by their innovative POK stem and blend of Nylon and POM housing materials, which likely contributes to their overall smoothness and responsiveness, although detailed descriptors of their tactile feedback are not specified. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star offers a distinctly mild typing experience, making it approachable for a wide range of users. These switches are easy to press and require minimal force to actuate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The KTT Purple Star's gentle resistance combined with a light 45g bottom-out provides a comfortable experience that promotes extended use without strain.
Overall, while the Gateron Mars switches excel in their unique design and may deliver a comparative smoothness, the Purple Star switches stand out with their low-pitched sound and incredibly light actuation, making them particularly suitable for light typists. If you prefer a more neutral sound and feel, opting for the Mars switches could yield a satisfying experience, but if you seek effortless typing with a mellow auditory presence, the KTT Purple Star could be your go-to. Both switches have their respective strengths, allowing users to choose based on their unique preferences while maintaining a consistent linear profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and style. If you appreciate a unique switch with innovative design elements, the Gateron Mars might be your best bet, especially if you enjoy a smooth tactile experience. However, it’s important to note that the specific feel and sound characteristics of the Mars are not elaborated upon here, so you may want to try them out yourself. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing sensation with a luxurious feel, you should consider the KTT Purple Star. They offer a mild and easy-to-press experience, making extended typing sessions comfortable while providing a low-pitched sound that can be more pleasant for a range of users. The 50 grams bottom-out force might be slightly heavier than the Mars, but it strikes a great balance for typists who appreciate a little resistance without feeling fatigued. In essence, your choice should align with whether you are looking for the innovative design of the Gateron Mars or the refined comfort and sound of the KTT Purple Star.
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