Gateron Mars vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and the Durock T1 stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Gateron Mars, categorized as a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes, offering unparalleled fluidity thanks to its innovative design that combines a POK stem with a durable Nylon and POM housing. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a seamless typing experience without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Durock T1, a tactile switch, provides a different kind of satisfaction with its medium bump at actuation, delivering a comforting response that resembles the gentle sound of rain falling against a window. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience with tactile feedback. While the Mars may cater to those seeking speed and smoothness, the T1 is likely to attract users who prefer a more pronounced and textured feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and Durock T1 switches feature distinct top housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles, showcasing a notable contrast in their auditory characteristics. The Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is revered for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, providing a muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the T1 employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This material enhances the sharpness and crispness of sound, generating a clearer resonance that appeals to users looking for a more pronounced typing experience. Consequently, when using RGB lighting, the T1's housing accentuates the illumination, making it visually appealing alongside its sound production.
When examining the bottom housing of these switches, an interesting dynamic emerges. The Mars features a POM bottom housing, which contributes to its unique and pleasing sound profile. The POM material, known for its deep and muted characteristics, enhances the downstroke experience and aligns with the overall auditory richness of the switch. On the other hand, the T1's bottom housing is made from nylon, further contributing to its depth and fullness. Both switches employ nylon in one of their housings, which promotes similarity in the sound profile during the keypress, particularly focusing on the bottoming-out experience. Essentially, while the top housing materials differ significantly, the shared nylon component in the T1's bottom housing and the Mars's overall construction contributes to a common ground in auditory qualities.
Ultimately, the combination of the different materials in the Mars and T1 switches illustrates how sound quality can be influenced by both the top and bottom housings. For the Gateron Mars, the deeper, fuller sound profile is achieved through the softness of its nylon top and the POM bottom housing, blending together to create a muted experience. In contrast, the Durock T1's polycarbonate top contributes sharper tones, while its nylon bottom maintains a degree of fullness during keypresses. When using each switch, the distinct qualities of the materials play a crucial role; however, the presence of nylon in both designs allows for shared resonance dynamics, providing users with varied sound experiences that are shaped by the unique composition of each housing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces, which significantly influence user experience. The Gateron Mars has a known actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a relatively light feel that many users may appreciate for long typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Mars is unavailable, limiting our ability to evaluate the full extent of its physical response upon full depression. In contrast, the Durock T1 exhibits a heavier weight with a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a substantial resistance that some users may prefer for a more tactile and engaging typing experience. The actuation force of the T1, however, remains unspecified, leaving uncertainty about its responsiveness compared to the Mars. In summary, the Gateron Mars is the lighter switch, ideal for extended use, while the Durock T1's heavier bottom out force caters to users who favor a more forceful push during typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, the Mars offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the T1 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the T1 is more traditional in its depth and may provide a more substantial feel when pressed down, appealing to users who prefer a hearty depth. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Mars switch might be favored by gamers seeking faster response times and a more responsive typing experience. For those who appreciate quicker key actuation, the Gateron Mars would be the preferred choice, whereas the Durock T1 caters to individuals who enjoy a bit more travel and tactile feedback as they type. Thus, the Mars switch, with its 3.6 mm distance, is the shorter option, while the T1, with its 4 mm travel distance, is the longer one.
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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Mars switch remains unknown, but we do know that the Durock T1 switch produces a low-pitched sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window, providing a soothing auditory experience. The T1's neutral sound profile offers a moderate actuation force and a balanced tone, making it versatile for various environments, whether it's home or office use. While the Mars switch's sound characteristics cannot be confirmed, it's important to remember that auditory experiences are significantly influenced by the keyboard's construction, the materials used, and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mars switch's description is also unavailable. In contrast, the Durock T1 is characterized by its stepped feel, which provides a medium tactile bump that you can distinctly perceive during key presses. The T1's accentuated tactility strikes a balance, offering enough feedback without being overwhelming. Additionally, it boasts a polished quality, resulting in a smoother typing experience due to low friction. This combination of characteristics can lead to a satisfying and comfortable typing experience, particularly suited for prolonged use.
In summary, while the Gateron Mars switch lacks specific information regarding its sound and feel, the Durock T1 tactile switch impresses with its low-pitched, neutral sound profile and refined tactile feedback. Anyone seeking a smooth and cushy typing experience would likely enjoy the T1 due to its medium bump and polished finish. If you prioritize similar results with the Mars, consider the sound and feel's intricate relationship with the overall keyboard build and components.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Mars linear switches and Durock T1 tactile switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience, especially for rapid typing or gaming, the Gateron Mars switches are an excellent choice. Their innovative design contributes to a uniquely seamless feel, perfect for those who prioritize speed and a linear response. On the other hand, if you appreciate feedback during typing, the Durock T1 switches offer a satisfying tactile bump. They are especially suited for typists who enjoy a more pronounced sensation and auditory experience analogous to rain, bringing a comforting aspect to long typing sessions. Furthermore, the medium-heavy force of the T1 switch may appeal to those who like a bit of resistance while typing, providing a more deliberate engagement. Ultimately, consider your own typing style and sound preferences: opt for the Gateron Mars for a linear, straightforward experience, or the Durock T1 if you crave tactile feedback that adds character to your interactions with the keyboard.
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