Gateron Mars vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Mars and the Gazzew U4T presents distinct advantages catering to different typing preferences. The Gateron Mars, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes, attributed to its unique POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM. This design prioritizes an unimpeded typing experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate rapid, glitch-free actuation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is a tactile switch renowned for its exciting blend of bassy 'thock' sounds and pronounced tactile feedback. Its sharp tactility provides satisfying resistance at the actuation point, appealing to those who enjoy a more interactive and sensory typing experience. Ultimately, whether you lean toward the uninterrupted flow of the Mars or the engaging tactile sensation of the U4T, your preference will depend on your typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Mars Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Gazzew U4T switches, both models exhibit a focus on softer plastics to shape their auditory profiles. The Mars features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder audio experience. In contrast, the U4T’s proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," mimics this quality by delivering a similarly rich sound profile due to its inherent softness. While the materials differ, the end result in terms of the acoustic experience provides users with a comparable richness and depth.

Moving to the bottom housing, the materials take on a more distinctive role in shaping the typist's experience. The Gateron Mars incorporates a POM bottom housing, celebrated for its unique sound characteristics that lean towards a deeper and more muted output. In comparison, the U4T also utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, echoing the softer plastic qualities that contribute to a rich sound profile. Although the specific materials differ, both options create soundscapes characterized by their distinct and muted resonances, enhancing the tactile feedback and overall user satisfaction.

In direct relation to performance during typing, the differing materials can influence how the key feels and sounds upon both pressing down and releasing. The POM housing of the Mars will notably impact the bottom-out experience, making it feel solid yet subdued, while its nylon top contributes to the release sound. Conversely, the U4T’s Gazzew blend across both housings provides a consistent softness that harmonizes the tactile feedback with a cohesive auditory result. Thus, while each switch utilizes unique materials, the emphasis on softer plastics in both designs yields similar auditory and tactile experiences, making them ideal for users seeking particular sound profiles in their keyboard setups.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Mars features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it relatively lighter, which can be beneficial for users seeking a more effortless typing experience during extended sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Mars is unknown, leaving a gap in understanding its total actuation dynamics. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, indicating a firmer resistance when key presses are fully depressed. The actuation force for the U4T is not specified, but given its heavier bottom out force, it is likely geared toward users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, if users prefer lighter switches for comfort during prolonged use, the Gateron Mars would be more suitable, while those who desire a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Gazzew U4T due to its heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, we find a notable difference between the two. The Gateron Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gazzew U4T offers a slightly longer distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Gateron Mars, you'll experience a quicker actuation, which can be beneficial for gaming enthusiasts seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial feel; this may appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more pronounced key press. In summary, if you're looking for a shorter and more responsive option, the Gateron Mars is your choice, whereas the Gazzew U4T caters to those who appreciate the depth of a longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Mars switch features a sound profile that has not been explicitly described, but given its unique design combining a POK stem and specialized housing materials, one might expect a smooth, albeit less pronounced auditory experience relative to tactile or clicky switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switches are characterized by their bassy and thocky sound profile, which provides a deep and rich auditory feedback during each keypress. The bassy tone enhances the overall keyboard experience by delivering a satisfying, sturdy sound similar to a low-frequency thud, making typing feel more immersive and engaging.

In terms of feel, the Mars switch lacks a specific description, leaving its tactile feedback and responsiveness largely unknown. In contrast, the U4T offers a pronounced tactile experience with its sharp feedback, providing a strong and distinct bump with every keypress. This makes the U4T an excellent choice for typists who appreciate an assertive tactile response, as it ensures they can feel each keystroke clearly, adding to the overall enjoyment of typing.

In summary, while the Gateron Mars switch does not offer much detail regarding its sound or feel, it may provide a smooth typing experience due to its design. The Gazzew U4T, however, stands out with its rich, thocky auditory feedback and sharp tactile response, making it a favorable choice for those who prioritize both sound and feel in their mechanical switches. If you're looking for an expressive auditory experience coupled with firm tactile feedback, the U4T is likely the superior option.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile bump or audible feedback, the Gateron Mars is an excellent choice, especially if you're seeking a quiet typing experience that allows for rapid keystroke repetition, making it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. Conversely, if you appreciate a pronounced tactile sensation and enjoy the satisfying thocky sound profile that comes with each keystroke, the Gazzew U4T will likely be more to your liking. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and sharp tactile feedback offer an engaging typing experience that enhances your overall interaction with the keyboard, especially useful for typists who rely on tactile cues for accuracy. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard—whether for gaming, office work, or casual browsing—and select the switch that aligns with your desired auditory and tactile feedback experiences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more