Gateron Mars vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Gateron Mars switches stand out with their unique POK stem design and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, known for providing a reliable and smooth keystroke, making them an excellent choice for gamers seeking precision and speed. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is celebrated for its innovative design that minimizes noise—offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound paired with a pronounced clacky bottom-out sound. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a smooth typing experience while also wanting to keep their keystrokes discreet in shared environments. Both options exhibit linear characteristics, but their distinct auditory profiles and material compositions cater to varied user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Mars Linear

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, we can see distinct differences between their compositions and the resulting sound profiles. The Mars switch features a nylon top housing that lends itself to a softer and deeper sound, providing a fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. This contrast results in the Mars switch having a more muted auditory feedback, while the Semi-Silent Linear delivers a more pronounced and resonant sound. For typists who prefer a more rounded auditory experience, the nylon material of the Mars may be more appealing, while those who enjoy a bright and lively sound profile might prefer the clarity offered by the polycarbonate material in the Semi-Silent Linear.

In terms of bottom housing, both switches exhibit a remarkable contrast as well. The Gateron Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing characterized by its ability to create a unique and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear features a nylon bottom housing that, much like its top counterpart, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This shared nylon material in the Semi-Silent Linear's bottom housing allows for a consistent auditory experience, as it absorbs sound and creates a more rounded profile at the bottom-out stage. The deeper sounds produced by the Mars's POM housing, combined with its nylon top, create a distinctive typing acoustics that can resonate with users who favor a more enveloping sound, thus isolating the feel of each switch distinctly.

Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings significantly influences the overall typing experience. If both switches had matched top and bottom housing materials, we would expect to see aligning sound characteristics throughout the typing experience. However, with the differences in materials, typists will appreciate how the top and bottom housings contribute independently to the auditory outcome. The Mars’s nylon top and POM bottom work together to produce a notably muted sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear’s polycarbonate and nylon combination results in a richer tapestry of sound that is both clear and deep. By understanding the impact of each material on the sound profile, typists can choose the switch that best suits their preferred auditory and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Gateron Mars has a defined actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a relatively gentle touch that can promote longer typing sessions, which is ideal for work or extended gaming. However, its bottom out force is not specified, leaving a gap in our understanding of its resistance when fully pressed. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which indicates a stronger push feel when bottoming out, thus offering a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer key press. However, its actuation force remains unreported, making it difficult to draw a complete comparison. Overall, the Gateron Mars is lighter with its known actuation force, while the Jwick Semi-Silent is heavier at the bottom out stage, suggesting different user experiences based on typing preference and comfort.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, it is evident that they differ slightly. The Mars switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Mars switch offers a shorter travel distance, providing a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch, with its slightly longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more deliberate and satisfying press, as it offers additional depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preferences—whether one prioritizes responsiveness or a more substantial key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars switch has not been explicitly described, but one can infer that it might offer a fairly standard linear sound profile, which is typically smooth and quiet given its design. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is noted for its subdued and neutral sound profile. It produces a dampened sound during keystrokes, making it suitable for various environments without being entirely silent. This unique attribute of the Semi-Silent Linear allows it to maintain a more muted presence while typing; however, it does report a clackier bottom-out sound, which might add a bit of character to the acoustic experience without being distracting. Overall, if you’re after a quieter typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear will provide that without sacrificing too much feedback.

In examining the feel of these two switches, the Mars switch lacks a detailed description but can typically be expected to offer a smooth linear experience that is characteristic of linear switches. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear is described with multiple sensations: mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. This combination indicates a versatile typing experience that balances responsiveness with comfort. The mildness speaks to an approachable feel, while the snappy feedback ensures that each keypress is lively and engaging. The buttery and polished aspects suggest a seamless keystroke experience with reduced friction, which can appeal to typists looking for an effortless glide across the keycaps. Together, these characteristics of the Semi-Silent Linear create a unique blend that may attract users seeking both responsiveness and smoothness.

In conclusion, while the sound qualities of the Gateron Mars switch remain unspecified, they likely align with traditional linear characteristics. Conversely, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a unique sound profile that balances quietness during typing with satisfying bottom-out sounds. On the feel side, the Mars is anticipated to deliver a smooth typing experience typical of linear switches, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more multifaceted, responsive experience with a pleasantly smooth finish. For users deciding between these two options, those seeking a straightforward linear feel might lean towards the Mars, whereas those who appreciate enhanced responsiveness and nuanced feedback could find the Semi-Silent Linear more appealing. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, yet both promise engaging and satisfying typing experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch ultimately comes down to your preferences regarding sound and typing feel. If you value a unique design and weightlessness in your keystrokes, the Mars switch's innovative POK stem and Nylon-POM housing may appeal to you. These features are ideal if you prefer a more exploratory typing experience without the typical bottom-out force feedback. Conversely, if you appreciate a bit more resistance in your keystrokes and desire a typing sound that’s quietly subdued, the Semi-Silent Linear is likely more suited to your needs. The Semi-Silent’s medium actuation force and its combination of silky smoothness with a lively snappy feel can enhance your typing experience, especially in shared spaces where noise reduction is a priority. Thus, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a lighter, more experimental feel or a balanced, subdued sound with a satisfying tactile response.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn more