Gateron Mars vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer uniquely appealing characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Mars features a cutting-edge design that pairs a POK stem with a durable housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, providing a reliable and smooth keystroke experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its completely POK composition, which not only ensures a silky typing experience but also delivers a delightful auditory profile characterized by a high-pitched, clacky sound that adds personality to each keystroke. While the Gateron Mars is lauded for its innovative design and dependable performance, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream captivates with its creamy feel and resonant acoustics, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize both texture and sound. 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

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron Mars and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, the differences in their top housing materials create distinctive sound profiles that affect user experience. The Mars switch features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it, leading to a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream employs a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, resulting in a higher-pitched and clacky sound signature. This indicates that while both switches have distinct auditory characteristics due to their respective materials, the Mars emphasizes a rounder sound profile, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a sharper, more resonant tone.

Regarding the bottom housing, the Gateron Mars utilizes POM, recognized for producing a muted sound profile that is deeper compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing, which is engineered to deliver a smooth, clacky sound with superior durability. POM is appreciated for its sound characteristics that lend a satisfying thud when bottoming out, enhancing tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the POK material is lauded for its impressive wear resistance and shock resistance, which translates to durability in high-use scenarios. Although the bottom materials differ significantly in terms of sound and durability, both contribute to the overall experience of their respective switches; the POM brings a lower, fuller sound while the POK offers a more vibrant acoustic experience paired with smooth actuation.

Ultimately, even though the Mars and Vanilla Ice Cream switches incorporate different materials in both the top and bottom housings, they can yield some similar results in terms of sound and tactile feedback. If tuned correctly, a user might find that the Mars, with its softer nylon and POM, can achieve a sound profile that some may perceive as rounded and warm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, with its clacky response from the POK and high sound resonance from the proprietary blend, may feel lively and responsive. The interplay of their respective materials allows for a unique playing experience—where tactile satisfaction can be found in both switch options, despite their different approaches to sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and their bottoming out characteristics. The Gateron Mars has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's actuation force of 43 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be more appealing, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Mars switch is unknown, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that it provides a firmer tactile response when fully pressed down. This heavier bottom out force can contribute to a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is the better choice, while the Gateron Mars may appeal to those who favor a slightly heavier actuation force, although the lack of information on its bottom out force leaves some comparison points unaddressed.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we find that the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Gateron Mars switch offers a bit more depth in its keystrokes, making it a preferable option for users who enjoy a more substantial feeling while typing or gaming. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch, with its reduced travel distance, may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker actuation and faster response times. In essence, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Mars provides a longer stroke, which could be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Mars linear switches have a sound profile that is yet to be specified, leaving the auditory experience somewhat of a mystery. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches shine in this department, producing high-pitched and marbly sounds that invoke a crisp and intriguing auditory signature. With descriptors like "resonant" and "clacky," the Vanilla Ice Cream switches provide an engaging soundscape that caters to typists who appreciate a sharper, more defined sound. It's important to note that the sound characteristics can also depend on the keyboard and keycap choices, but when it comes to the intrinsic sound of the switches, the Vanilla Ice Cream clearly sets itself apart.

In terms of feel, the specifics for the Mars remain unspecified, but the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer a buttery and creamy experience that delights typists with a remarkably smooth keystroke. This sensation can often result from quality materials used in the switch construction, leading to effortless typing as fingers glide over the keys. The buttery texture combined with the creamy nature creates a serene typing experience that many users find addictive. Without information on the Mars switches’ feel, a direct comparison in this aspect is difficult to draw, but it is clear that the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizes a smooth and enjoyable tactile sensation.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Mars linear switches present an unknown experience regarding both sound and feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches provide a delightful auditory and tactile experience known for their high-pitched sound profile and smooth, creamy keystrokes. If the Mars switches parallel the qualities found in the Vanilla Ice Creams, you may be in for a similar experience. However, until more details on the Mars are available, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stands out as a strong contender for those seeking a satisfying mechanical keyboard switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in both typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a light bottoming out force and are looking for a switch that can provide a unique and potentially innovative experience, the Gateron Mars may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter touch while also enjoying a smooth, creamy typing experience paired with a high-pitched, resonant sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream will likely suit you better. The Vanilla Ice Cream excels in offering a buttery and effortless feel with its well-engineered POK materials, creating a fluid keystroke that many typists find satisfying. Your decision should ultimately reflect whether you seek a distinctively smooth ride with a crisp sound or a lighter yet innovative experience from the Gateron Mars.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more