Gateron Mars vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and the Everglide Sunset Yellow are two striking options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Gateron Mars switches boast a unique POK stem design and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, promising smooth keystrokes favored by those who enjoy minimalist, consistent feedback without tactile bumps. On the other hand, Everglide's Sunset Yellow switches captivate users with their charming Creamsicle hue and a sound profile that delights the senses—reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, they offer a satisfying acoustic experience. While the Mars excels in providing a straightforward and reliable feel, the Sunset Yellow enhances the typing experience with its rich sound and frictionless glide, appealing to those who prioritize auditory pleasure alongside performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Mars Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches, it is evident that they utilize different types of material for their top housings but share a common material for their bottom housings. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, a classic material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a notable dullness and roundness to the acoustics of the switch. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow opts for a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a unique and pleasing acoustic signature that is also deeper and more muted, albeit differing from the sound characteristics typically associated with nylon. This variation suggests that while both switches aim for similar sound profiles, the nuances of the material choice influence the overall auditory experience.

Conversely, both the Gateron Mars and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches employ POM for their bottom housings. This similarity means that when pressed, users can expect a consistent sound signature that is rich and muted, given POM's properties of sound dampening. With the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound, the shared POM in this section of both switches ensures that at least one aspect of their sound profile remains aligned, providing a unified auditory experience that is more pronounced when the key is fully depressed. The depth of sound created by these POM housings adds an additional layer of complexity and richness, potentially enhancing the tactile feedback perceived by users.

In summary, while the Gateron Mars and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches differ in their top housing materials—nylon and POM, respectively—they converge in their choice of POM for the bottom housing. This alignment in material allows both switches to maintain a captivating auditory quality and tactile experience, albeit through slightly different character profiles in the sound produced upon key release. Users who appreciate the deeper, fuller sound signature can look forward to a satisfying performance from either switch, with the Mars drawing from the warm absorption properties of nylon on the top-end and the Sunset Yellow harnessing the unique sound capabilities of POM throughout. Thus, in terms of tonal characteristics, they will deliver similar results despite the differences in top housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Gateron Mars has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams. This difference indicates that the Mars switch may require a bit more effort to actuate, making the Sunset Yellow a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, while the Sunset Yellow has a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorized as medium-light. This means that the Sunset Yellow provides a more defined resistance at the bottom of the keystroke, which some users might find beneficial for a more substantial feel when typing. Consequently, while both switches offer unique experiences, the Sunset Yellow is the lighter option overall, whereas the Gateron Mars remains uncertain regarding its bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we find that the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the Mars the longer option, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and others who favor quick responsiveness and faster key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: if you appreciate a deeper key press, the Mars would be the better fit, while the Sunset Yellow would suit those looking for a more rapid response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Mars switch's characteristics are currently unspecified, but it is important to note that sound can vary significantly based on factors like the keyboard’s housing and keycap material. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is lauded for its captivating sound profile, which resonates with the deeper, bassy tones akin to mahjong tiles colliding. Users can expect a rich, thocky sound when pressing these switches, producing a deep and satisfying acoustical feedback that enhances the typing experience.

When considering feel, the Gateron Mars switch lacks a detailed description, leaving potential users without specific insights into its tactile response or smoothness. Conversely, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is characterized by a creamy, frictionless experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. With a polished feel attributed to its unique stem and factory lubrication, the Sunset Yellow provides a remarkably smooth typing experience, priming users for quick, fluid keystrokes.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Mars switches have an unspecified sound and feel, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer defined, bassy acoustics and a creamy, frictionless typing experience. Users looking for a satisfying auditory element will find joy in the Sunset Yellow, while those who prioritize smoothness may lean towards the same option for their typing needs. For a more comprehensive understanding of the Gateron Mars switches, further exploration and user experiences would be beneficial.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall experience. If you are looking for an innovative switch with a unique design that combines a lightweight responsiveness with a focus on a potentially frictionless feel, the Gateron Mars would be a worthy choice. However, if you appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback coupled with a richer typing experience, the Sunset Yellow is likely what you want. Its medium-light force and creamy, thocky characteristics provide a more indulgent and satisfying tactile engagement, making it suitable for a wide array of users—from casual typists to avid gamers. Consider what aspects matter most to you—be it the unique feel of the Mars or the luxurious auditory and tactile quality of the Sunset Yellow—as this will guide you in making the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more