Gateron Mars vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can greatly influence your typing experience, and two impressive contenders in the linear switch category are the Gateron Mars and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Gateron Mars switches stand out with their innovative design, featuring a unique POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke feel. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches shine with their progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, ensuring a buttery smooth typing experience that many users find delightful. While the Mars may appeal to those looking for a unique blend of materials and reliable performance, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more neutral and mild keystroke that is perfect for users who appreciate subtle feedback without harshness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches showcase contrasting choices in their top housing materials, each contributing distinctly to the overall sound experience. The Mars features a nylon top housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory sensation. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon employs a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate fosters a clear and resonant sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. Aesthetically, the translucence of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, an appealing feature for many keyboard enthusiasts.
Turning attention to the bottom housings, the Gateron Mars utilizes a POM material, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon opts for nylon. The POM bottom housing contributes an intriguing and unique sound profile that tends toward the deeper side, providing a relatively muted experience upon bottoming out. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon maintains that classic, deeper sound profile which mirrors the qualities of the Mars’s nylon top housing. Thus, both switches may invoke similar auditory experiences when pressed down due to their shared nylon material, albeit in different contexts within the switch assembly.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials defines the nuanced sound profile and feel during use. The Gateron Mars's nylon top and POM bottom work together to create a rounded and fuller auditory experience, particularly noticeable when keys are released. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom allow for a unique blend of sharpness and depth, with the clear top contributing brightness to the sound when keys are released. Therefore, while the switches present different auditory signatures, the presence of nylon in both models ensures that users will encounter some degree of similarity in sound, especially during the bottoming out phase. Overall, users will enjoy the distinct characteristics of each switch, leading to a tailored typing experience based on their material preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we see some interesting contrasts in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience a similar level of resistance when initially pressing the keys. However, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon differs significantly in its bottom out force, measuring at 53 grams, while the bottom out force for the Gateron Mars is unknown. This suggests that the Sea Salt Lemon provides a more substantial experience when a key is fully pressed down, potentially appealing to those who prefer tactile feedback for a deeper typing experience. Consequently, the Gateron Mars is the lighter option, as it lacks information on bottoming out compared to the heavier feel of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. Overall, users seeking lighter switches for extended typing sessions might favor the Gateron Mars, while those who enjoy a firmer push should consider the KTT Sea Salt Lemon.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Gateron Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm may influence user experience significantly: gamers and typists seeking quicker response times might favor the shorter Mars switch, which allows for more rapid actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience may prefer the Sea Salt Lemon for its greater travel distance. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gateron Mars would be the better choice, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is suited for those who enjoy a deeper keypress experience.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Mars and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches, the Gateron Mars is less defined in its acoustic characteristics, but it's generally regarded as having a pleasant sound suited for various environments. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon switches are characterized by their low-pitched sound, which offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This tonal quality is complemented by a neutral sound profile, making the Sea Salt Lemon versatile for different use cases, whether you're typing at home or in a professional setting. It's worth noting that the actual sound experience can vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switches lack a specific description, but they are designed with a POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM materials, which typically provides a smooth experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches are defined by their mild characteristics, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable for a wide range of users. They feature a progressive spring and a dry-lube design, contributing to an overall buttery smooth typing sensation. This makes the Sea Salt Lemon switches an excellent choice for those who prioritize feel without extensive effort in acclimatization to more pronounced switch types.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mars and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches present appealing features, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The Sea Salt Lemon offers a defined auditory profile and a comfortable, mild feel, making them beginner-friendly and suitable for varied typing styles. While the precise acoustic and tactile characteristics of the Mars are less clearly defined, their design suggests a smooth typing experience as well. If you're looking for a similar auditory experience with a smoother feel, you'll find options in both switch types, allowing you to tailor your typing experience to your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mars and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing experience. If you favor a lightweight switch with a unique design and innovative materials, the Gateron Mars can provide you with a smooth and responsive typing experience, making it ideal for casual use or gaming where quick key presses are essential. However, if you prefer a more balanced feel with noticeable tactile feedback and a medium-light actuation force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent option, particularly if you enjoy a buttery smooth typing sensation combined with a low-pitched, mellow sound profile. The mild characteristics of the Sea Salt Lemon make it suitable for both work and home environments, catering to a wider range of users, whether you're a beginner or an experienced typist. By considering these factors, you can select the switch that best meets your needs and preferences.
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