Gateron Mars vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, both the Gateron Mars and TTC Silent Brown offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mars switch, known for its innovative design featuring a POK stem and a unique housing blend of Nylon and POM, delivers a smooth and linear typing experience that is perfect for gamers seeking fast key presses without tactile resistance. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch is a tactile option that boasts a comfortable light-medium resistance paired with a satisfying rounded bump, making it ideal for typists who appreciate feedback with each keystroke while enjoying a muted sound profile. While the Mars emphasizes speed and fluidity, the Silent Brown enhances precision and tactile feedback. 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
45g
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
3.80 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and TTC Silent Brown switches showcase contrasting characteristics in their housing materials, significantly impacting both sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Mars features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. This leads to a more muted and rounded auditory experience, enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, the Silent Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing that yields a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. The difference in top housing materials, therefore, points to distinct preferences: those seeking a softer, more subdued typing sound may gravitate towards the Gateron Mars, while those desiring a brighter sound would favor the TTC Silent Brown.
Regarding the bottom housings, there is an interesting interplay between the materials. The Mars is constructed with a POM bottom housing that produces a deeper, more muted sound profile, while the Silent Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for its fuller sound, akin to the Mars's top housing. This similarity in the bottom housing material between the Silent Brown and the Mars infers that both switches will likely deliver a consistent deep sound during key presses. However, the unique combination of a nylon bottom with a polycarbonate top in the Silent Brown creates a different overall sound experience compared to the Mars, thus reinforcing the idea that even switches with some similar components can yield varied auditory results based on their complete housing compositions.
In both switches, the individual contributions of the top and bottom housings create a complex sound profile that reflects their material characteristics. While the Mars leans towards a more cohesive, muted sound due to the synergy of nylon and POM, the TTC Silent Brown’s unique pairing of nylon and polycarbonate gives it a split character. The pressing of the key will predominantly exhibit the qualities from the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound, while the release is dictated by the top housing's materials. Consequently, users seeking a balanced experience may find value in the unique attributes of each switch, with the potential for similar auditory results within specific ranges despite the underlying differences in the materials used in the housing construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in this regard. This consistency means that users will experience a similar effort required to activate a keystroke with either switch, perfect for typists seeking a lighter touch. However, the main contrast arises with the bottom out force; the Silent Brown switch has a specified bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a heavier resistance when fully pressed down, while the bottom out force for the Mars is unknown. This means that while both switches feel similar during key actuation, the Silent Brown will provide a more substantial tactile feedback and resistance at the bottom, catering to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Therefore, in terms of weight, the Gateron Mars is the lighter option, ideal for prolonged use, whereas the TTC Silent Brown is the heavier choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced sensation at the bottom of each keypress.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we find that the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Brown measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This means that the Gateron Mars offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial tactile feedback that some users prefer for a deeper typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that feels more abrupt and responsive, the Gateron Mars would be the better option, whereas the Silent Brown suits those who enjoy a more traditional feel with a greater depth.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 linear switch is expected to produce a sound profile that is not specifically described, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat ambiguous. However, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is characterized by its muted sound, producing a softer and quieter experience compared to more traditional or clacky switches. This makes the Silent Brown ideal in environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, while the Mars switch may not be as carefully engineered for sound dampening, potentially resulting in a more pronounced auditory feedback depending on other contributing factors like keyboard construction and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mars linear switch has not been explicitly detailed, but linear switches tend to provide a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile bumps. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch delivers a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. The buttery feel ensures a seamless and fluid keypress, while the mild resistance caters to a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. The polished finish further enhances the experience by reducing friction, leading to smooth key travel. Thus, the Mars switch may feel less refined compared to the tactile precision of the Silent Brown.
Considering both sound and feel, choosing between the Gateron Mars and TTC Silent Brown switches entails weighing the muted auditory feedback and the tactile responses they offer. While the Silent Brown distinctly focuses on creating a quiet environment paired with a satisfying tactile experience, the Mars switch remains undefined in both aspects, leaving its qualities open to interpretation. If you seek a smooth, refined typing experience with minimal noise, the Silent Brown is your best bet. However, if you prefer something simpler, you may find satisfaction with the Mars switch, even if its specific characteristics remain unknown.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you seek a smooth and seamless keystroke experience, the Gateron Mars may be the right choice for you, especially if you prefer a switch with a lighter feel and a more innovative design. Its unique POK stem and Nylon and POM housing contribute to a fluid typing sensation that can be particularly appealing for those who spend long hours typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you value a tactile response with a medium-heavy resistance and muted sound, the TTC Silent Brown is an excellent option. The satisfying rounded bump provides a comfortable typing experience while minimizing noise, making it a great fit for office environments or shared spaces. In essence, consider the Gateron Mars for an ultra-smooth linear feel and if you prioritize noiseless operation with tactile feedback, then the TTC Silent Brown would be your best bet.
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