Gateron Mars vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and Huano Sakura are two compelling options, both distinguished by their unique characteristics. The Gateron Mars switches stand out for their innovative design, incorporating a POK stem along with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which provides a smooth keystroke and durability, making them suitable for gamers and typists looking for a consistent feel. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches are renowned for their feather-light touch and medium acoustics, which not only enhance the typing experience but also make them perfect for extended use without causing finger fatigue. While the Mars may appeal to those prioritizing a robust and smooth action, the Sakura is likely to attract users who favor an ultra-light, quiet typing experience. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and Huano Sakura switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Mars features a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture, which effectively absorbs sound and produces a deeper, fuller auditory feedback. In contrast, the Sakura employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, characterized by its high durability and low friction, resulting in smoother operation and producing a clacky sound profile. While both materials contribute to distinct auditory experiences, the Mars leans more towards mellowness, while the Sakura provides a livelier sound due to its unique properties.
When examining the bottom housings, the Mars utilizes POM, a material recognized for creating a distinct, muted sound that pairs harmoniously with its nylon top. This combination yields a deeper sound profile overall, making it pleasurable to type on. Meanwhile, the Sakura's bottom housing is made of nylon, which similarly absorbs sound and contributes to a fuller sound experience. Despite the different top housing materials, the use of nylon in both switch designs for the bottom housing offers a commonality that ensures a deeper, rounder sound from this area, lending an element of similarity to their overall auditory feedback.
In essence, both the Gateron Mars and Huano Sakura switches present unique sound profiles influenced by their distinct top and bottom housing materials. The combination of the softer nylon in the Mars' top housing and the durable POM in the bottom results in a balanced auditory experience, while the Sakura's POK top and nylon bottom allow for smooth yet vibrant performance. Although the switches diverge in terms of material choices, the shared characteristics of nylon in the bottom housings provide a consistent depth to the overall sound experience, enabling users to enjoy distinctive responses while potentially achieving similar auditory results when considering the sound profiles of each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly impact user experience. The Mars switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is on the heavier side, suggesting a more substantial typing experience. However, its bottom out force is unavailable, making it difficult to assess its full performance in that respect. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as users might find this allows for less fatigue over time. The Sakura switch has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating it provides a consistent feedback when fully pressed down. Overall, those preferring a lighter switch would gravitate towards the Huano Sakura, while those who appreciate a heavier and more tactile feel may find the Gateron Mars switch more to their liking, despite the lack of bottom out force data for the latter.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch is the same, measuring at 3.6 mm. This identical travel distance means that users will experience a similar keypress feel when using either switch, resulting in a comparable typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, enthusiasts can expect consistent performance in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom when pressed.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Mars linear switch is not explicitly detailed, which leaves an element of uncertainty regarding its acoustic characteristics. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch is noted for its medium acoustics, making it a fairly balanced option that doesn't tend to overwhelm in sound without being too muffled. This difference suggests that if you are particularly sensitive to sound while typing, the Sakura might provide a more consistent auditory experience, while the Mars may require further exploration to gauge its true acoustic behavior, influenced heavily by the specific keyboard and keycaps in use.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mars is known for its distinctive design that features a POK stem, which typically promotes a smooth keypress. The Huano Sakura switch, on the other hand, offers a feather-light touch that enhances comfort over long typing sessions. This stark contrast means that those who appreciate a bit more resistance may lean towards the Mars, while users prioritizing ease and lightness might find the Sakura more appealing. Both switches aim for a smooth linear experience, but the nuance in weight and force is where they diverge.
In summary, the Gateron Mars and Huano Sakura switches each have their own unique qualities. The Mars's sound profile is less defined, leaving room for interpretation, while the Sakura is characterized by its medium acoustics. Feel-wise, the Mars's POK stem design may appeal to those seeking a smoother experience, whereas the Sakura’s feather-light touch is perfect for extended usage. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in choosing between these switches, as while they share a linear design philosophy, their sound and tactile experiences offer different sensations that cater to varied typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a switch that is innovative and designed for a unique, smooth typing experience, the Gateron Mars may be the right choice for you. Its combination of a POK stem and a nylon-POM housing provides a distinctive feel that can enhance your typing or gaming experience with a fluid motion. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a responsive feedback and a feather-light actuation, the Huano Sakura switch is worth considering, especially for long sessions of typing where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are paramount. Its bottom-out force of 45 grams strikes a balance that many users find appealing, as it ensures that typing is effortless without sacrificing control. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize innovative design and unique feel or a more traditional switch with comfort for extended use.
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