Gateron Mars vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and Gateron Weightlessness stand out for their distinct characteristics and intended user experience. The Gateron Mars switches, renowned for their innovative design featuring a POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, deliver a smooth linear keystroke ideal for gamers and typists who favor rapid key presses without tactile feedback. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile feel, enhancing the typing experience without overwhelming the user, making them perfect for those who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes while maintaining a balanced sound profile. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences—be it the smooth, uninterrupted flow of linear action or the satisfying bump of tactile sensation; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and Gateron Weightlessness switches share a commonality in their use of nylon for the top housing, which is celebrated for its sound properties. Both switches benefit from nylon's softer texture, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This shared characteristic results in a unique auditory experience characterized by a duller and rounder tone, as nylon's ability to absorb sound prevents harsher impacts and vibrations. Consequently, users of both switches can expect similar acoustic results, leading to a pleasing typing experience that highlights the advantages of using nylon in keyboard design.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, creating distinct sound profiles as well. The Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing, which is known for generating a unique sound that leans slightly deeper and more muted compared to its nylon counterpart. In contrast, the Weightlessness features a nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing, allowing it to carry over the acoustic qualities of its upper section. This distinction is significant, as the bottom housing’s material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Thus, while the Mars may provide a more pronounced sound barrier with its POM base, the Weightlessness maintains a consistent sound profile from top to bottom, resulting in different auditory experiences despite sharing one aspect of their construction.
Considering the varying bottom housings, it becomes evident how each switch caters to different user preferences. The Gateron Mars, with its POM bottom, offers a distinctive auditory dampening effect that rounds out the sound further, making it ideal for those who prioritize a muted and depth-focused typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness emphasizes consistency in sound, as the use of nylon for both top and bottom housings aligns their acoustic sensations closely. Ultimately, both switches cater to users looking for quality sound profiles, yet they offer unique experiences based on their bottom housing material—highlighting the importance of housing types in customizable keyboard designs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the actuation forces differ slightly; the Mars requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Weightlessness necessitates a slightly stronger push at 50 grams. This implies that the Mars switch is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, both switches lack specified bottom out force values, leaving that aspect unknown. Without this information, it's hard to compare how they feel when pressed all the way down, but since the Mars is lighter in actuation force, it can be inferred that its bottom out may also be less substantial. Those who enjoy a heavier typing experience might prefer the Weightlessness for its slightly greater actuation force. Overall, if you favor lighter switches for comfort, the Gateron Mars may be the suitable choice, whereas the Weightlessness could appeal to those seeking a more forceful feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mars linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm positions the Mars as the switch providing a more substantial feel during key presses, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a deeper and more deliberate typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch, with its shorter travel distance, can offer quicker response times, appealing particularly to gamers who favor rapid key actuation. Consequently, those who appreciate the tactile feedback may find the Weightlessness switch preferable, while those seeking a more pronounced key travel may gravitate towards the Mars. Overall, the distinction in travel distances influences the responsiveness and depth of the switch experience, catering to different user preferences.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 linear switch presents a smooth auditory profile that is relatively quiet, characteristic of linear switches. Its unique design, featuring a POK stem and a housing blend of Nylon and POM, contributes to a dampened sound that minimizes any sharp or clacky noises while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a balanced sound profile that harmonizes well with its subtle to moderate tactile feedback. While both switches provide a more muted experience overall, the Mars tends to be slightly quieter than the Weightlessness, which retains some acoustic presence due to its tactile bump.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars linear switch is celebrated for its smooth actuation, providing a consistent and uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps. This characteristic appeals to those who prefer a fluid typing experience, allowing for rapid key presses without any resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch introduces a subtle to moderate tactile bump, providing a distinct feedback moment when the switch is activated. This tactile element can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate that sensation, as it aids in confirming their input. However, while the Mars focuses on smoothness, the Weightlessness enhances its actuation with a tactile sensation.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offer exceptional qualities that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Mars switch is ideal for those seeking a quieter, smooth typing experience, while the Weightlessness caters to users who enjoy a bit of tactile feedback. Depending on your desired typing experience, you will find that each has its unique advantages, making either choice valuable based on your personal typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you favor a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with no tactile bump, the Mars switch is an excellent choice, particularly for gaming or tasks that require rapid, fluid movements. Its unique design enhances durability and responsiveness, making it perfect for those who enjoy a silent and streamlined typing experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback without overwhelming noise, the Weightlessness switch is ideal for typists who want that satisfying sensation of each keypress. Its subtle to moderate tactile feel, along with a balanced sound profile, makes it suitable for both typing and casual gaming environments where you want a sensory response but without the distraction of excessive noise. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your specific needs: go for the Mars if you seek speed and fluidity, and choose the Weightlessness if you want a blend of tactile feedback and sound moderation.
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