Gateron Mars vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between Gateron Mars and Durock White Lotus offers enthusiasts vastly different typing experiences. The Gateron Mars, a linear switch, is celebrated for its innovative design, comprising a POK stem and a durable housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, resulting in a smooth keystroke that is perfect for fast-paced gaming and uninterrupted typing without tactile feedback. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus, categorized as a tactile switch, is tailored for typists who appreciate subtle feedback during keystrokes. Its light tactility ensures that users can remain comfortable during extended usage without a jarring sensation, while the removable light column enhances its appeal with vibrant RGB lighting effects. Essentially, if you prioritize speed and smoothness, the Mars may be your ideal companion, but for those who seek a comforting yet subtle tactile sensation accompanied by stunning visuals, the White Lotus stands out. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and Durock White Lotus switches employ different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their overall sound and feel during use. The Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer plastic properties, which absorb sound effectively, resulting in a more muted audible feedback when typing. In contrast, the White Lotus employs a modified polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-pure epoxy (UPE) blend top housing. This combination is touted for delivering a unique and premium typing experience, while also contributing a brighter sound signature due to the harder nature of the materials. Consequently, users can expect a different auditory experience between the two switches, with the Mars delivering a rounder and softer sound and the White Lotus leaning toward a slightly sharper auditory profile.
When we examine the bottom housings, we find a different interplay of materials that affects the switches’ performance. The Gateron Mars is equipped with a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, renowned for its ability to produce a unique, deep, and pleasantly muted sound. The POM material is relatively rigid compared to nylon, allowing it to create a distinct typing feel that diverges from the usual softer response. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus’s bottom housing is crafted from nylon, enabling it to produce a fuller sound profile similar to that of the Mars. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both switches will generate a substantial sound when bottomed out while retaining a deeper quality, albeit from differing top housings.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials between the Gateron Mars and Durock White Lotus will result in a unique sound experience that users may appreciate depending on their personal preference. However, the contrasting bottom housing materials serve to balance this difference; the Mars's POM bottom amplifying the muted characteristics while the White Lotus's nylon allows for a similar deeper sound experience upon bottoming out. Thus, if users are seeking switches with a predominately softer and more muted sound profile, they may find satisfaction in both the Mars and White Lotus, despite the varied experiences generated by their top housing materials. This interplay of materials ultimately shapes the user experience during typing, reflecting the intricate balance between sound feedback and tactile response in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find some interesting differences. The Mars switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the White Lotus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams. This means that the Mars switch is marginally lighter, which may appeal to users looking for ease during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, whereas the White Lotus has a bottom out force of 56 grams, classified as medium-light. This difference indicates that the Durock White Lotus switch provides a more substantial tactile feedback upon bottoming out. For those who prefer a heavier feel in their typing experience, the White Lotus would be a better choice, while those who favor a lighter action may prefer the Gateron Mars due to its lower actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Gateron Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock White Lotus extends slightly further at 4.0 mm. This means that the White Lotus offers a more traditional feel with its longer travel distance, which is often preferred by users looking for deeper key presses. In contrast, the Mars, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more instantaneous feedback when typing or gaming. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and a faster actuation, the Gateron Mars would be the ideal choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial key press would benefit from the Durock White Lotus's greater depth.
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 White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 characteristics, the Gateron Mars switch's audio profile is not specified, leaving some uncertainty in its acoustic nature. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switch produces a low-pitched sound that is both bass-heavy and mellow, creating a soothing auditory experience for the user. Additionally, its neutral sound profile ensures versatility, making it suitable for various environments such as offices or homes. Ultimately, while the Mars switch’s sound may remain an unknown factor, the White Lotus provides a well-defined auditory feedback that contributes to a pleasant typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mars switch lacks a detailed description of its tactile feedback, leaving its characteristics open to interpretation. However, the Durock White Lotus switch is designed to offer an easy-to-press experience, requiring minimal force for activation, which results in a comfortable and responsive typing sensation. This low actuation force, combined with a mild tactile response, minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions and makes the switch approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. While the feel of the Mars switch is uncertain, the White Lotus clearly stands out for its ergonomic advantages.
Overall, the Gateron Mars and Durock White Lotus switches present distinct qualities, although specific details about the Mars remain undisclosed. The White Lotus is celebrated for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, as well as an effortless typing experience, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize comfort and acoustic pleasantness. Without tangible information about the feel and sound of the Mars switch, it's challenging to draw direct comparisons; however, both switches could potentially serve different preferences depending on what users might find more appealing in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth, linear experience devoid of tactile feedback—ideal for fast-paced gaming or when you seek minimal resistance during your key presses—then the Gateron Mars might be your go-to option. Its innovative design and unique feel can cater well to users who value a quiet and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slight tactile bump that offers a gentle reminder of actuation, especially during extended typing sessions or professional work, the Durock White Lotus is better suited for your needs. With its low-pitched sound profile and mild resistance, it balances comfort and feedback without overwhelming you, enhancing both casual typing and focused tasks. Ultimately, your selection should align with whether you seek smoothness or light tactility in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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