Gateron Mars vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and Gateron Smoothie Silver offer two distinct experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Mars switch is celebrated for its innovative design, utilizing a POK stem paired with a housing made from a combination of Nylon and POM, resulting in a unique feel and sound that can add character to your typing experience. This switch appeals to users who appreciate a blend of responsiveness and a tactile sensation that's not too overwhelming, making it ideal for typing and gaming alike. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver boasts an all-POM construction that delivers an incredibly short travel distance, allowing for lightning-fast actuation. With its thocky sound profile and feather-light touch, this switch is perfect for gamers and typists seeking ultra-smooth keystrokes without the fatigue often associated with heavier switches. Both switches have their unique advantages, but they cater to different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches present a fascinating comparison when it comes to their housing materials. The Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for providing a fuller and deeper sound profile. Nylon's softer nature contributes to its ability to absorb sound efficiently, resulting in a rounder and more muted typing experience. This characteristic creates an engaging auditory feedback that enhances the overall satisfaction of typing. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing, which also promotes a deeper and muted sound profile but offers its unique tonal qualities. While both switches deliver low, enriching sounds that enhance typing pleasure, they achieve this through different material properties, with nylon favoring warmth and POM emphasizing crispness.
On the bottom housing front, both the Gateron Mars and Smoothie Silver employ POM materials. This shared characteristic means that the bottom-out feel and sound are complemented by similar sound-absorbing properties. The POM bottom housing in the Mars, like that of the Smoothie Silver, contributes to a delightful and unique auditory experience, with a muted quality that deepens the keystroke feedback. However, since the top housing materials differ—nylon for the Mars and POM for the Smoothie Silver—this contrasts how each switch behaves when keys are released. The nylon's softer texture may lend the Mars a slightly warmer release sound compared to the more defined notes one might derive from the POM top used in the Smoothie Silver.
In terms of results, the Gateron Mars and Smoothie Silver switches ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit through differentiated materials. While the nylon top housing of the Mars offers a unique sound profile, the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver achieves a similar muted effect through distinct means. Despite the differences, the effective combination of each switch’s bottom and top housing creates a variety of auditory feedback—tying into the nuanced experience each switch offers. Consequently, while one may perceive slight variations in sound or feel depending on which switch one is using, the overarching enjoyment derived from both remains comparably high.
Weight
Both the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which means that typists and gamers will experience the same required force to trigger a keystroke with either switch. However, the information regarding the bottom out force for both switches is unavailable, making it impossible to compare that aspect directly. The shared actuation force indicates that both switches are equally lightweight in this regard, appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Since the bottom out force remains unknown for both switches, we cannot determine if one switch offers a more cushioned experience than the other. Nevertheless, given their equal actuation force, users can expect similar results in terms of lightness when pressed halfway down.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Gateron Mars features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Mars the longer of the two switches, offering a more substantial key press experience for those who prefer deeper keystrokes. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver, with its shorter travel distance, caters to users who prioritize responsiveness, especially valued by gamers seeking faster actuation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you favor a more pronounced depth or quicker response times, as each switch provides a unique typing 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 Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 switches are characterized by a sound profile that has not been explicitly detailed, making it difficult to make a definitive comparison. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches are noted for their thocky sound, which implies a deeper and more satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sound can be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a richer acoustic experience while typing, although factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap material can influence the overall sound produced.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mars switches have a unique design featuring a POK stem combined with a Nylon and POM housing, which suggests a potentially distinct tactile experience that may differ from typical linear switches. The Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, in contrast, boast unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch due to their all-POM construction and shorter travel distance. This design makes for a quick and effortless keystroke, appealing especially to gamers or users who favor fast-paced typing. While both switches aim for a linear feel, the Smoothie Silvers might provide a more immediate response.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mars and Smoothie Silver switches cater to varying preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Mars offers an innovatively designed switch that may deliver a unique tactile experience, the Smoothie Silver prioritizes speed and smoothness along with its thocky sound. If you're looking for a faster feel and distinct audio profile, the Smoothie Silver may be the better option. However, if your focus is more on the unique mechanics of the switch itself, the Mars is certainly worth considering, knowing sound and feel can vary based on your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it's essential to consider your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you're looking for a unique typing experience characterized by a smooth feel combined with the distinctive sound profile of the Mars switches, they might be ideal for you. These switches excel in delivering a satisfying tactile feedback that can enhance your typing comfort over long sessions, making them a great choice for typing enthusiasts who appreciate a slightly more textured experience. On the other hand, if speed and a lightweight feel are your priorities—especially for gaming—you'll likely prefer the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch. Its short travel distance and swift actuation contribute to rapid response times, allowing for quick actions in fast-paced gaming environments. Additionally, the thocky sound adds a pleasant auditory element without being overly loud, which might appeal to those seeking a quieter yet satisfying typing experience. In summary, choose the Mars for a unique, smoother typing experience and the Smoothie Silver for speed and responsiveness—your choice should reflect your personal typing habits and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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