Gateron Mars vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and KTT Rose offer distinct experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Gateron Mars is celebrated for its innovative design, which combines a POK stem with a durable housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM. This unique construction contributes to a smooth and consistent keystroke, ideal for gamers and typists seeking a reliable and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Rose entices users not only with its aesthetic appeal but also with its advanced progressive spring mechanism. This results in a typing experience that feels substantial without being overly heavy, complemented by a low-pitched, bassy sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops—a unique auditory feedback that many find satisfying. While both switches provide a fluid typing experience, the choice ultimately hinges on personal preference, be it the innovative design of the Mars or the charming auditory feedback of the Rose. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and KTT Rose switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which leads to notable differences in sound profiles. The Mars features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This characteristic is due to nylon’s relatively softer nature compared to other plastics, which produces a more muted sound profile that many users find pleasing. In contrast, the KTT Rose employs a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer material that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The transparency of polycarbonate enhances the switch's aesthetic, particularly when paired with RGB lighting, allowing for a more vibrant visual effect. Therefore, the primary distinction in sound between the two switches stems from the differences in their top housing materials.
Examining the bottom housing, both switches utilize different materials that influence their overall sound profile as well. The Mars incorporates a POM bottom housing which contributes to a deeper, more muted sound. Users will likely notice a unique auditory quality that results from this material's particular combination of rigidity and sound-dampening properties. Conversely, the KTT Rose uses a nylon bottom housing, echoing the characteristics of the Mars's top housing. Similar to the nylon top, the nylon bottom plays a role in creating a fuller sound experience. This convergence underscores a shared heritage in the use of nylon within the KTT Rose, fostering a depth in sound that aligns with the Mars switch when considering the bottom-out experience.
Overall, the differing top and bottom housing materials mean that the sound profiles of the Gateron Mars and KTT Rose switches diverge in unique ways, even as they may converge in certain aspects. The Mars’s nylon top creates a softer auditory experience while the POM bottom enriches the overall sound quality. Meanwhile, the KTT Rose’s combination of a polycarbonate top producing a sharp sound and nylon bottom contributing a fuller tone creates a nuanced typing experience. While the Mars emphasizes a more consistent muted sound through both nylon components, the Rose offers a dynamic blend of sharper notes from its polycarbonate top, enriched with the depth from its nylon bottom. In practice, users who prefer a deeper, rounder sound may gravitate towards the Mars, while those seeking crisper sound profiles might favor the KTT Rose, despite the foundational similarities in bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, there's a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Mars has a specified actuation force of 45 grams, indicating it requires relatively less force to trigger a keystroke, which may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, making it difficult to evaluate the overall feel when bottoming out. In contrast, the KTT Rose switch presents a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, suggesting a firmer feel when the key is fully pressed down, which might be favored by users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. The actuation force for the Rose switch is also unspecified, preventing a direct comparison in that regard. Overall, the Gateron Mars can be described as the lighter option, while the KTT Rose is the heavier alternative, particularly in terms of bottoming out, which could influence user preference based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mars linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Rose linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance may cater to different user preferences; the Mars, with its relatively shorter travel distance, is likely to appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, allowing for quicker key actuations. Conversely, the Rose’s longer travel distance of 4 mm may provide a more traditional and deeper typing experience, which some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, if one favors a more responsive feel, the Gateron Mars would be the better choice, while those who appreciate the heft of a deeper key press may prefer the KTT Rose.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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 linear switches have not been explicitly described; however, the KTT Rose switches are noted for their low-pitched and neutral characteristics, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This quality makes them versatile for various environments, as their moderate sound profile is suitable for both casual and professional use. It's important to remember that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard, build materials, and keycaps utilized, meaning that while the Mars switch's audio signature isn’t detailed, it could potentially yield a similar result depending on these external factors.
In terms of feel, the Mars switches lack a specific description, but the KTT Rose switches are characterized as mild and polished. This mildness results in an approachable typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users, ensuring comfort during extended typing sessions. The polished nature of the Rose switch indicates a smooth and refined action, thanks to the materials used and potentially factory lubing. This leads to reduced friction and enhances the overall tactile experience, making them enjoyable for both novices and seasoned typists alike. Without specific details on the Mars switch feel, a direct comparison cannot be made but similar qualities might still be present.
In conclusion, while the KTT Rose linear switches offer a well-defined auditory and tactile experience with their low-pitched sound and mild, polished feel, the Gateron Mars linear switches lack detailed descriptions in these aspects, leaving their qualities somewhat ambiguous. If the Mars switches possess similar nonlinear characteristics to the Rose, users could find comparable sound and feel experiences; however, without that information, it’s difficult to confidently recommend one over the other strictly based on these qualities. Ultimately, both switches seem to cater to different preferences within the realm of linear switches, making them worthy considerations for anyone entering the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Mars and the KTT Rose linear switches, your decision should hinge on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you value a smooth, unique typing experience and are looking for a switch that emphasizes innovation with a specialized design, the Gateron Mars could be your ideal choice. Its light actuation force allows for a very effortless typing experience, making it suitable for rapid typing and gaming without fatigue. However, if you prefer a more substantial, medium-heavy feel with a touch of elegance in your keystrokes, the KTT Rose switch might be more aligned with your needs. Its progressive springs provide a balanced feedback while typing, complemented by a low-pitched, bassy sound profile that’s pleasing to the ear. Thus, if you enjoy a calmer, polished typing experience that feels both gentle and substantial, the KTT Rose would be the way to go. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not just your typing style but also how much feedback and sound you want in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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