Gateron Mars vs. HMX SU

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the Gateron Mars and HMX SU, both of which fall into the linear switch category but offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mars switches are innovative with their unique design, featuring a POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which contributes to their smooth keystrokes and responsiveness, making them ideal for gamers seeking rapid input without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX SU switches boast a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, creating a subtly deep sound profile that appeals to typists who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback while maintaining a linear feel. While the Mars captivates with its modern materials and swift performance, the SU offers a more traditional yet pleasing acoustic experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Mars Linear

HMX SU Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and HMX SU switches, we find that both utilize a nylon top housing, which is a well-regarded choice in the mechanical keyboard community. The nylon top housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, making typing experiences more pleasant. Since nylon is a softer material compared to harder plastics, it has a natural ability to absorb sound. This absorption results in a duller and rounder acoustic output, enhancing the overall auditory experience when typing. Therefore, both switches will likely provide similar auditory results in terms of sound quality, allowing users to benefit from the favorable acoustic characteristics inherent to nylon.

Contrasting the bottom housings reveals a critical difference between the two switches. The Mars uses a POM bottom housing, which is known for producing a unique and pleasing sound quality, distinctly on the deeper side and relatively more muted than other materials. POM, or polyoxymethylene, offers a solid feel and contributes to the overall sound profile by adding a different texture to the sound produced during typing. In contrast, the HMX SU opts for a nylon bottom housing, which replicates the properties seen in its top housing. Consequently, while both switches feature a nylon top, the Mar's POM bottom offers a distinct sound sensation, making the typing experience more varied compared to the HMX SU, which maintains a more consistent acoustic profile due to its nylon bottom.

When considering the impact of the bottom and top housing materials on the typing experience, it becomes clear how their different choices influence user perception. The tactile feedback and sound produced when bottoming out a key are heavily influenced by the material of the bottom housing. As such, users will sense the unique muted sound of the POM bottom housing in the Mars compared to the more uniform acoustic profile accompanying the nylon bottom housing of the HMX SU. In essence, while both switches share a nylon top housing yielding similar sound traits, their bottom housings diverge significantly, affecting the overall auditory and tactile experience during use. This distinction provides both switches with unique identities despite their shared nylon top housing material.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to initiate a keystroke. This similarity results in comparable typing experiences in terms of triggering keys, which is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the substantial difference arises in their bottom out forces; while the Mars switch's bottom out force is unknown, the SU switch has a specified bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires more pressure to fully depress the key. This heavier bottom out force may provide a more tangible feedback for those who prefer a stronger push feel, whereas the lack of information on the Mars's bottom out force suggests that it may be lighter overall or is simply unmeasured. Consequently, the HMX SU is the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, while the Gateron Mars is potentially lighter, assuming its bottom out force is not significantly greater than the actuation force.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience an identical distance when pressing down on each key. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches provide similar feedback and response during typing or gaming, creating a uniform experience for those who prefer linear switches. Consequently, you can expect consistent performance and feel from either switch due to their matching specifications.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Mars linear switch is characterized by a unique sound profile that remains largely subjective and can vary based on the keyboard it’s used in and the type of keycaps selected. While specific sound characteristics of the Mars switch haven't been detailed here, it can be reasonably expected to offer a smooth, muted typing experience typical of linear switches. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch is noted for its subtle yet relatively deep sound, which may contribute to a more pronounced acoustic presence when typing. This depth can create a satisfying auditory experience, especially in a quiet environment, but again, this will be influenced by the overall keyboard setup.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switch is likely to provide a smooth and consistent typing experience, which is a hallmark of high-quality linear switches. Its innovative design, incorporating a POK stem with a Nylon and POM blend housing, may further enhance the smoothness and reduce any potential friction. Conversely, the HMX SU switch, with its PA12 housing and T5 stem, also aims for smooth key presses but might offer a different weight or resistance compared to the Mars, depending on their respective actuation points. These nuances in feel will appeal to different user preferences, as some typists may favor the particular characteristics of one switch over the other.

Ultimately, both the Gateron Mars and the HMX SU linear switches present their own unique qualities, catering to a wide variety of preferences. While the Mars is innovative in its design materials and stem type, the SU’s sound profile adds a dimension that may be more appealing to those who appreciate auditory feedback. Newcomers to mechanical keyboards can expect smooth performance from both switches, but they may want to consider personal preferences regarding sound and tactile experience as they choose between models. Testing each switch within a keyboard setting will provide the best insight into which switch aligns with their typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you're seeking a unique feel with a lightweight actuation that may enhance your gaming experience, the Gateron Mars could be the way to go, as it’s designed to minimize resistance thanks to its innovative POK stem and nylon-POM housing blend. This switch is particularly appealing if you prefer a smoother stroke and less tactile feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a tactile experience coupled with a deeper sound profile that may lend itself well to both gaming and professional typing, the HMX SU might be your best choice, particularly given its 50-gram bottom out force that strikes a balance between comfort and feedback. The PA12 housing contributes to its distinct sound, which may satisfy those looking for auditory pleasure as they type. Ultimately, assess your priorities between sound, feel, and intended use to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more