Gateron Mars vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Gateron Mars and Jerrzi Violet can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Mars switches are innovative linear switches recognized for their unique POK stem design and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke ideal for gamers and those who prefer a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, Jerrzi Violet switches present a gentle tactile feel with their smooth actuation and a pleasingly poppy tactility, appealing to users who enjoy feedback on their keystrokes without the audible noise associated with some other switches. With the Mars targeting a frictionless experience for competitive play and the Violet aimed at delivering a balanced and enjoyable typing session, each switch carries its own unique advantages. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Jerrzi Violet switches, we can observe notable differences in their top housings that directly influence the acoustic characteristics of the switches. The Mars features a nylon top housing, which is acknowledged for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material's softer nature contributes to sound absorption, yielding a sound that is duller and rounder compared to switches with stiffer plastics. In contrast, the Violet employs a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a crisper and sharper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for clearer resonance, enhancing the overall auditory experience, especially if RGB lighting is integrated due to its translucent properties. Consequently, if you prioritize a warmer typing experience, the nylon top of the Mars may suit you better, while the Violet's polycarbonate top will appeal to those seeking brightness and clarity.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches present a compelling comparison. The Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing, noted for producing a unique sound profile that leans towards a deeper and more muted tone. Conversely, the Violet features a nylon bottom housing, sharing similar qualities with the Mars's top housing. The use of nylon here again elicits a fuller sound, contributing to the overall dullness and smoothness in tactile feedback. This means that while their top housings differ, the bottom housings of both switches resonate with a deeper sound, creating a sense of consistency in typing feel and auditory feedback from the bottom-out experience.
Ultimately, the overall acoustic and tactile experience of typing on the Gateron Mars and Jerrzi Violet switches results from a combination of their materials. Despite the differences in top housings—nylon for the Mars and polycarbonate for the Violet—there is a shared tonal foundation stemming from their respective bottom housings. The nylon in both switches' bottom housings ensures that the typing experience retains a degree of warmth, while the unique qualities brought forth by each top housing will influence the sound profile when keys are released. Users can expect that, while there might be distinct variances in sound profiles due to the top housing materials, both switches will provide a satisfactory and complimentary typing experience overall, demonstrating the influence of housing materials on switch performance.
Weight
Both the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience similar ease in triggering a keystroke, making either switch suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming bouts. However, both switches reveal their bottom out forces as unknown, which prevents a full comparison in terms of the total force experienced when the switch is fully pressed down. Since both switches have the same actuation force, they can be considered equal in that aspect, appealing to those who prefer a lighter switch feel. Overall, if you're looking for a balanced typing experience that allows for prolonged use without strain, either the Mars or the Violet would be a fitting choice due to their comparable actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Violet measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This means that the Mars offers a shorter travel distance, which could be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Violet, with its 3.7 mm distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback, as it provides a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. As such, those who favor a quicker, more responsive experience might opt for the Gateron Mars, while those who enjoy a fuller keypress experience may lean towards the Jerrzi Violet.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars switch's qualities remain unspecified. However, the Jerrzi Violet switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile, which balances well with most environments. This neutrality in sound makes the Violet suitable for both novices and experienced typists alike, allowing for a pleasant typing experience without the distraction of overly loud or sharp sounds. It's important to note that the perceived sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, so the Mars switch may still produce a similar quality depending on these factors.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switch’s tactile feedback and actuation characteristics are not indicated in the available information. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a stepped tactile feel, presenting a tactile bump that is more subtle compared to hypertactile switches. This design results in a typing experience where users can detect some degree of pre-travel and post-travel motion, creating a balanced and smooth typing sensation that many find satisfying. If the Mars switch shares a similar design philosophy as linear switches typically do, it may provide a more uniform keystroke without the noticeable bumps characteristic of tactile switches.
Combining the insights on sound and feel, it is clear that while the Gateron Mars switch may offer unique qualities that we do not have information on, the Jerrzi Violet switch stands out for its neutral sound and gentle, stepped tactile feedback. For someone exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, both switches can cater to different preferences depending on whether one values a more straightforward linear action or a distinct tactile response. Given the potential unknowns about the Mars switch, individuals seeking to experience diverse typing sensations may want to consider trying both to determine which aligns better with their personal needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you are someone who enjoys a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience and prefers the quietness that comes with linear switches, the Gateron Mars may be the right choice for you. Its unique POK stem design and blend of Nylon and POM materials aim to provide a fluidity in typing that many linear switch enthusiasts seek. However, if you’re looking for a switch that offers tactile feedback without being overly harsh, the Jerrzi Violet's gentle tactile properties might be better suited for your needs. Its neutral sound signature and stepped tactility make it versatile enough for both casual typing and more focused work. Ultimately, consider what you prioritize more in your keyboard experience—smoothness or tactile feedback—as this will guide your decision towards either the sleek Mars or the satisfying Violet.
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