Gateron Mars vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Akko Rosewood both stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts, each offering distinct advantages. The Gateron Mars, a linear switch, is celebrated for its innovative design that incorporates a POK stem within a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, resulting in a smooth and responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood, also a linear switch, captivates users with its rich, deep "thock" sound—enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. While the Gateron Mars emphasizes a unique engineering approach for a streamlined feel, the Akko Rosewood leans towards creating a pleasing acoustic experience. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Mars for those who prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience and the Rosewood for those who seek auditory satisfaction alongside functionality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Akko Rosewood, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon as their top housing material. Both switches benefit from the unique properties of nylon, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. The softness of the nylon plastic contributes to sound absorption, resulting in a more muted and rounded acoustic experience. As a result, users can expect a similar auditory quality from both switches due to this shared housing material, enhancing the overall typing experience and offering a pleasant sound when engaged.
However, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ significantly. The Gateron Mars features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, which is known for its unique sound qualities that are deeper and more muted compared to harder plastics. This can create a distinct audio feedback that is both appealing and satisfying to the touch. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood employs nylon for its bottom housing as well, which aligns with the characteristics of the top housing. While this means it will also contribute to the overall sound profile, it may not produce the same distinctive sound profile that the POM bottom housing of the Mars offers. This key difference suggests that while both switches generate pleasant sound experiences, the Mars may deliver a more varied auditory output due to its POM material.
Ultimately, the combined effect of the top and bottom housing materials greatly influences each switch's performance. With both switches utilizing nylon for the top housing, users will likely perceive similarities in terms of sound quality when the keys are released. However, the Gateron Mars's POM bottom housing introduces a deeper, distinct sound that contrasts with the all-nylon construction of the Akko Rosewood. The result is that users choosing the Mars can enjoy a unique typing experience characterized by its varied sound profile, while those opting for the Rosewood may appreciate the consistency and predictability of the nylon material throughout both housings.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we observe that the Mars has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Rosewood's actuation force is lighter at 40 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch might find the Rosewood more comfortable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less force to actuate. However, the Mars switch provides a slightly heavier push feel, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Rosewood has a specified bottom out force of 50 grams, which is characterized as light. The bottom out force for the Mars switch is unfortunately unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. Overall, while the Rosewood is the lighter option in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, the Mars may suit users who favor a slightly firmer feel when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Gateron Mars features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Rosewood boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mars switch is the shorter option, offering a more responsive experience, which can be appealing to gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Rosewood switch, with its 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer, offering a deeper key press that can feel less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize responsive actuation or a more pronounced bottoming out sensation.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 switch offers a muted auditory experience with a softer sound profile, largely attributed to its innovative POK stem and housing materials, which are designed to dampen sound during keypresses. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch is celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky sound that is enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant, offering a more pronounced acoustic feedback when typing. While both switches can sound different based on the specific keyboard used and choice of keycaps, the Mars tends to be quieter, while the Rosewood provides a more resonant auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mars switch is engineered to offer a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance throughout the entire traversal, designed to provide a seamless typing experience that many users appreciate for long typing sessions. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood switch delivers a similar smoothness but is often noted for a slightly firmer bottom-out feel, which provides a satisfying tactile feedback when the key is fully pressed. Again, while both switches excel in delivering a smooth linear experience, the Mars might feel lighter and more effortless, whereas the Rosewood can provide a sense of reassurance with its firmer response.
Overall, both the Gateron Mars and Akko Rosewood switches have unique characteristics that cater to varying preferences. The Mars excels in a more subdued auditory profile and a lighter feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Rosewood stands out with its richer sound and slightly firmer feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced and tactile acoustic response. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you will find high-quality linear performance in either of these switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you desire a lightweight switch and prioritize a smooth typing experience, the Gateron Mars may be the better fit for you. Its innovative design and materials promise a unique feel that can enhance your typing fluidity without feeling too heavy, making it ideal for fast-paced typists or gamers seeking responsiveness. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile experience and a satisfying acoustic feedback, the Akko Rosewood is likely to suit you well. Known for its deep, thocky sound, thanks to factory lubrication, this switch pairs nicely with a more substantial bottom-out force that provides satisfying resistance. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback in their keystrokes, perfect for both typing and everyday use. Ultimately, assess your typing style and preference for sound and feel to determine which switch will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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