Gateron Mars vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Gateron Quinn offer distinct experiences that cater to varied preferences. The Gateron Mars, known for its innovative POK stem design and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, provides a smooth and linear typing experience that is ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing where every keystroke feels effortless and fluid. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switches deliver a tactile sensation with a crisp and pronounced bump, coupled with a rich and resonant sound profile, thanks to their specialized nylon housings. This unique combination makes the Quinn highly appealing for those who appreciate feedback during typing and a more immersive auditory experience. While the Mars excels in its smoothness and speed, the Quinn offers a satisfying tactile and acoustic richness. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and Gateron Quinn switches feature nylon as their top housing material, which significantly contributes to their acoustic profiles. Both switches benefit from the inherent characteristics of nylon, a classic material known for its sound-absorbing qualities. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, resulting in a sound that is noticeably muted compared to switches with harder plastic housings. This shared top housing material suggests that users can expect similar auditory experiences while typing on both the Mars and the Quinn, as each switch will create a duller and rounder sound due to the nylon's ability to dampen sound waves effectively.
However, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Mars and the Quinn plays an essential role in their overall performance and sound profiles. The Mars utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, which is known to generate a unique and pleasing sound, characterized as deeper yet more muted. This material contrasts sharply with the Quinn's nylon bottom housing, which carries over the same comforting sound qualities as its top housing. The implications of these distinctions are significant; the POM bottom housing will alter the sound and feel during the bottoming out phase, providing a different tactile feedback compared to the all-nylon configuration of the Quinn. Thus, while both switches will deliver a rich auditory experience overall, the specific sound characteristics, particularly during the bottom-out and release phases, will differ.
In essence, while the Gateron Mars and Quinn share similarities in their top housing material, the variance in their bottom housings introduces a critical distinction that users may appreciate. The Mars's POM bottom housing accentuates a unique sound profile, leading to a slightly sharper or distinct feel when bottoming out, compared to the Quinn's more consistent nylon sound. Ultimately, although both switches will provide a delightful typing experience and maintain some similarities in overall sound, the nuances introduced by their different bottom housing materials will create a unique tactile and auditory experience for each. Players and typists can thus choose between these two options based on their preferred sound and feel during operation.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there is a notable distinction in their actuation forces. The Mars switch offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Quinn switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer. Additionally, the Quinn switch has a defined bottom out force of 67 grams, which indicates the force required to press the key all the way down, while the bottom out force for the Mars switch remains unknown. Consequently, if a user is seeking a lighter switch for comfort during prolonged use, the Mars is the better option, while those who favor a more robust feedback and stronger feel should consider the Quinn.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, the main distinction lies in their travel distances. The Mars features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the Mars offers a more substantial depth, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback during key presses. Conversely, the Quinn’s shorter travel distance can cater to users seeking quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Overall, while both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, the Mars is the longer option, providing a deeper keystroke, whereas the Quinn, being shorter, may feel more responsive to some users.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 switch does not have explicit characteristics listed, making it difficult to define its auditory qualities precisely. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switch is noted for its rich and immersive sound profile, described as bassey, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant. Users can expect a deeper, resonant sound with each keystroke, enriching the typing experience with a blend of crispness and warmth that patrons of tactile switches often adore.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars's specific sensory qualities are not detailed, leaving its tactile experience somewhat ambiguous. Meanwhile, the Gateron Quinn switch boasts a variety of engaging tactile sensations. It is characterized as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, and even buttery, offering a vivid typing experience that is responsive and refined. These descriptors indicate a blend of lively feedback and smooth key travel that enhances the overall tactile enjoyment during use.
In summary, while the sound profile of the Gateron Mars switch remains undefined, the Gateron Quinn switch provides a rich auditory experience. On the feel side, the Quinn's tactile nuances highlight its notably engaging characteristics, making it a more dynamic choice compared to the uncertain qualities of the Mars. Ultimately, if sound or feel were to be prioritized, the Quinn clearly stands out, though the Mars may still deliver satisfactory results in a different capacity.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a smooth and uninterrupted keypress experience, where the absence of tactile feedback allows for rapid typing and gaming, the Mars switch may be the ideal fit for you. Its design caters to those who prefer a straightforward, linear feel and prioritize smooth travel. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more dynamic typing experience with tactile feedback, the Quinn switch would likely be more suitable. With its medium-heavy actuation force and pronounced tactile bump, the Quinn provides an engaging feel with a satisfying auditory experience, thanks to its rich sound profile. Each keystroke is not only responsive but also adds character to your typing, making it ideal for those who appreciate a blend of tactile feedback and auditory delight. Thus, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize smooth linear action or a richly tactile experience, leading to an enjoyable and personalized keyboard journey.
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