Gateron Mars vs. KTT Wine Red

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Gateron Mars and the KTT Wine Red, both of which are linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Gateron Mars switches are renowned for their innovative design, featuring a POK stem combined with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, resulting in a smooth keypress that many typists appreciate for extended periods of use. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches are celebrated for their pillowy, light typing feel and a satisfyingly deep, rich sound profile, which some users find particularly enjoyable for both typing and gaming. While the Mars switches emphasize a smooth and consistent feel, the Wine Red switches offer a more tactile auditory experience. Both switches have their dedicated fanbases, appealing to different preferences in sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Mars Linear

KTT Wine Red Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$2.71 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the KTT Wine Red switches, a distinct contrast can be observed, particularly regarding the top housing. The Mars features a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties, which results in a deeper and muted sound profile during typing. This nuanced acoustic quality is attributed to nylon's ability to absorb sound waves effectively, leading to more rounded auditory experiences. Conversely, the Wine Red's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that yields a sharper, clearer sound. This difference in material composition significantly influences the overall typing experience; while the Mars provides a fuller sound profile, the Wine Red delivers a brighter, more resonant auditory feedback.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Mars utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) material that further emphasizes the switch's muted sound characteristics. POM is renowned for delivering a rich, deeper tone, maintaining a consistent sound profile that aligns with the softer nylon top. In stark contrast, the KTT Wine Red features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also produces a high-pitched and vibrant sound. This means that each switch has a different sound signature depending on the bottom housing material used. While the Mars offers a more cohesive deep sound due to the POM’s muted qualities, the Wine Red's dual polycarbonate casing provides greater vibrancy and clarity—showcasing a dynamic auditory profile.

Ultimately, the combination of the different housing materials creates a unique auditory experience depending on the switch. For the Gateron Mars, the nylon top and POM bottom collaborate to produce a cohesive and muted typing sound, emphasizing the deep tones while diminishing higher frequencies. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red showcases the contrast of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings, resulting in a brighter, crisper sound profile. If users seek a similar resonance from either switch, they might focus on the top housing’s influence on the release sound or consider modding the switches to optimize their qualities for specific typing preferences. While both switches have their own sound characteristics, their material compositions highlight the flexibility of sound modulation achievable by adjusting housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we find that the Mars has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Wine Red's actuation force of 44 grams. This means that those who prefer a marginally stronger pushing feel may lean toward the Gateron Mars for their typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is not available, while the Wine Red boasts a bottom out force of 55 grams, characterized as medium-light. This difference indicates that the Wine Red offers more resistance when pressed all the way down, potentially providing a more tactile experience when bottoming out. While both switches have similar actuation forces, their unknown bottom out force for the Mars switch means that users choosing between the two will likely find the KTT Wine Red to be the heavier option overall, especially in terms of the bottom out experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we note a clear difference. The Mars switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wine Red measures 4 mm. This means that the KTT Wine Red switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. As the shorter option, the Gateron Mars may appeal to users who favor quicker response times, making it particularly suitable for gamers. In contrast, the Wine Red's longer travel distance may cater to those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke, allowing for a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your preference for either responsiveness or key depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars switch has not been specifically described, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat of a mystery. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch is celebrated for its deep and rich sound profile, characterized as "bassy" and "low-pitched." These switches produce a satisfying auditory experience, with a lower frequency range that resonates during typing, akin to a deeper musical note. This bass-heavy quality provides a pleasant contrast to the sharper sounds known in mechanical keyboards, making the Wine Red a more appealing choice for those who value a harmonious typing experience.

Regarding feel, the Gateron Mars switch’s tactile feedback has not been detailed, which means it's difficult to gauge its physical response during use. However, the KTT Wine Red switch is renowned for its "pillowy light type feel." This description suggests an enjoyable and responsive typing experience that blends softness with ease of actuation, making it less tiring for longer typing sessions. The absence of precise details about the Mars switch prevents a direct comparison in this area, leaving the Wine Red's eminent feel as the standout option.

In summary, while the Gateron Mars switch lacks specific information on both sound and feel, the KTT Wine Red switch offers a well-rounded auditory and physical typing experience. Its bassy and low-pitched sound combined with a comfortable and light tactile response highlights its appeal. If more details about the Mars switch would reveal similar qualities, users might expect comparable results; however, without this information, the preference will lean toward the KTT Wine Red for those prioritizing sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences, typing style, and the overall experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you value a smooth, innovative design and are looking for a switch that offers a unique response, the Gateron Mars might be the right option for you. Its construction, which combines a POK stem with a blend of Nylon and POM housing, suggests that it could provide a different tactile experience compared to more conventional options. However, if you prefer a switch that offers a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, along with a deep, rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red would be a suitable choice. With its pillowy feel and bassy, low-pitched sound, it excels in delivering a satisfying auditory experience while typing. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize sound, feel, or design, and let that guide your decision to ensure that your keyboard remains a comfortable and enjoyable tool for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

KTT Wine Red Linear

$2.71 per 10

Learn more