Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Red Panda present distinct options catering to different typing preferences. The Gateron Mars switches are renowned for their innovative design, featuring a unique POK stem combined with a blend of Nylon and POM for a smooth, linear experience, making them ideal for gamers seeking rapid key presses without any tactile resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switches offer a tactile experience characterized by a light-medium amount of tactility, coupled with a bassier, raindrop-like sound when bottoming out, and a clackier, higher-pitched sound upon release—perfect for typists who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and auditory stimulus in their keystrokes. While the Mars prioritizes speed and smoothness, the Red Panda emphasizes feedback and sound, catering to vastly different user experiences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and Outemu Red Panda switches feature distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their overall sound profiles. The Gateron Mars employs a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic stems from nylon's soft plastic structure, which effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Outemu Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, contributing to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate material enhances clarity and enables brighter, higher-pitched tones that can particularly shine when coupled with RGB lighting.
When examining the bottom housing, the Gateron Mars uses POM, while the Outemu Red Panda opts for nylon. POM is recognized for delivering a muted and deeper sound, giving the Mars switch a unique auditory character. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing in the Red Panda switch generates a sound profile that aligns more closely with that of the Mars, evoking a fuller sound. While both switches feature a bottom housing made from different materials, the shared nylon component in the Red Panda's bottom housing suggests that comparative auditory qualities, particularly in depth and fullness, can still yield a satisfying typing experience similar to that of the Gateron Mars.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the top and bottom housings in these switches illustrate how distinct materials contribute to a switch's overall characteristics. The Mars switch's nylon top softens its sound profile while the POM bottom enhances its muted tones, resulting in a well-rounded auditory experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda’s polycarbonate top creates brightness and clarity above, while the nylon bottom harmonizes it with depth. Therefore, while the two switches present different top materials, they manage to achieve similarities in overall sound profile through their respective housing combinations. This interplay illustrates the importance of both top and bottom housings in defining the acoustic and tactile experience of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Mars switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer easier keystrokes for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Red Panda switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial and tactile typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unavailable, while the Red Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that it takes a firmer press to completely engage the switch. Overall, the Gateron Mars is the lighter option, suited for those seeking comfort over long durations, whereas the Outemu Red Panda is heavier, providing a more pronounced feedback for users who prefer a significant push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Mars has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm means that the Mars switch offers a more pronounced keypress, which some users might find more satisfying for typing, while the Red Panda's shorter distance could be more appealing for gamers seeking quicker response times. If responsiveness is a priority, the Red Panda may be the better choice, while those who prefer a more deliberate and deeper feel might lean towards the Mars switch. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance can significantly affect the typing experience, catering to different preferences among 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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars switch has yet to be characterized, which leaves a gap in comparing it to the Outemu Red Panda. The Red Panda produces a unique auditory experience with its thocky profile, generating a rich and satisfying sound primarily due to its design. This sound is characterized by a deep, resonant "thud" on key presses and a clackier, higher-pitched release, which provides a distinct auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. The perception of sound can heavily depend on the specific keyboard build and keycaps used, which means that the Mars could potentially produce a sound signature that is equally intriguing depending on those factors.
Regarding the tactile feel, the Mars switch remains similarly uncharacterized, leaving it difficult to draw direct comparisons with the Red Panda. The Red Panda is noted for its mild tactile feedback, which provides a gentle typing experience that is welcoming to both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. Its tactility strikes a balance that allows for comfortable typing without overwhelming the user, making it suitable for extended writing sessions. The mild nature of this switch means that its feedback is present but not aggressive, aiming to create a pleasant typing feel rather than a pronounced or distracting one.
In summary, while the Gateron Mars switch does not presently have explicit sound and feel descriptions, the Outemu Red Panda offers a well-defined auditory experience with its thocky sound and a mild tactile feedback that appeals to a wide audience. If the Mars switch turns out to be comparable in any of these aspects, users might find similar levels of satisfaction in their typing experience. Until more concrete information on the Gateron Mars is available, those looking for a linear switch might gravitate towards the Red Panda for its balanced qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, your individual typing preferences and usage scenarios will guide your choice. If you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience without tactile feedback, the Gateron Mars is a perfect fit; its unique POK stem design and lighter bottom-out force facilitate swift key presses, making it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing where every millisecond counts. On the other hand, if you appreciate a hint of tactile feedback along with a satisfying sound profile, the Outemu Red Panda delivers with its mild tactility and distinctive thocky sound, ideal for typists who enjoy a more engaging and pleasant keystroke experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prefer the serene linear feel of the Mars or the balanced tactile feedback of the Red Panda, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard serves your specific typing style and aesthetic.
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