Gateron Mars vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences often dictate the best choice, and two intriguing options worth considering are the Gateron Mars and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Mars is renowned for its innovative design that fuses a POK stem with a housing crafted from a unique Nylon and POM blend, offering a refreshing typing experience that emphasizes smoothness and consistency. In contrast, the WS Jade stands out with its distinctive metallic insert at the stem base, which not only enhances the switch's acoustics with a bright and resonant sound profile but also features a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display. While the Mars appeals to those seeking a pure and clean linear feel, the WS Jade caters to users who appreciate a more character-filled, creamy typing sensation combined with eye-catching aesthetics. Both switches have their unique merits, making them excellent contenders; 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

Wuque Studio WS Jade Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$4.30 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, a distinct difference emerges in the composition of their top housings. The Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its soft plastic properties that contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This material's ability to absorb sound results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, allowing for a unique typing sensation that is often favored by users who appreciate a more muted sound. In contrast, the WS Jade employs a POM top housing, which, while also delivering a deep sound, tends to offer a slightly different auditory experience. POM, or polyoxymethylene, is recognized for its rigidity compared to nylon, leading to a distinct sound characteristic that is pleasing, albeit with a more pronounced and unique signature compared to the Mars.

Examining the bottom housing of both switches reveals a notable similarity. Both the Gateron Mars and the WS Jade are equipped with POM bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper sound profile that is relatively muted. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in their respective top housings, both switches share a similar foundational sound experience. The qualities imparted by the POM material can enhance the tactile feel and bottom-out sound, as the bottom housing is integral to these aspects. As a result, users can expect a consistent auditory pleasure when pressing down on either switch due to the similar properties of the POM material used in the bottom housing.

Overall, while the Gateron Mars and the WS Jade showcase differences in their top housing materials, they ultimately converge in their bottom housing composition, resulting in similar acoustic outcomes. The nylon top housing of the Mars may exude a softer and rounder sound, while the POM top housing of the WS Jade brings a unique auditory signature. However, due to the shared POM bottom housing in both switches, users will experience a comparable depth in sound and tactility during the key press. In this way, the individual qualities of each switch’s housing materials create a nuanced yet harmonious typing experience, though the specific characteristics and sound profiles may still resonate differently during use.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mars switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, such as in professional environments or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which may offer a more substantial feel that some typists find satisfying. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unavailable, while the WS Jade has a bottom out force of 60 grams, classified as medium. This means that once fully pressed down, the WS Jade requires more force, providing a stronger tactile feedback compared to the Mars. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter option, the Gateron Mars would be the preferred choice, whereas the WS Jade caters to those seeking a heavier, firmer typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that users can expect similar performance when pressing down on either switch. This equal travel distance means that both switches will provide the same tactile feedback and actuation feel, making them comparable choices for those seeking a consistent typing experience. With both switches having the same specifications in terms of travel, users should find that neither offers a noticeable difference in travel length, thus allowing for a uniform response across different keyboard setups.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Mars switch has not been described in detail, leaving a gap in our understanding of its auditory character. However, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch is noted for its distinctive sound profile, characterized as clacky, marbly, and resonant. This means that when typing on the WS Jade, one can expect a sharp and crisp auditory feedback—a sound that involves a bright and percussive quality due to its unique construction with a metallic insert for enhanced resonance. The auditory experience of the WS Jade is designed to be immersive, providing a clean and engaging sound that can greatly enhance the typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Mars switch lacks a specific description, so we cannot fully assess its tactile experience. In contrast, the WS Jade switch is highlighted for its silky and creamy feel, promoting an exceptionally smooth typing motion. The very nature of its design contributes to a buttery typing experience that feels effortlessly fluid under the fingers. This tactile sensation is enriched by the materials used in its construction, allowing for minimal resistance during key presses and a typing experience that feels both refined and luxurious.

Overall, while the Gateron Mars switch doesn't provide detailed sound and feel characteristics to compare, the WS Jade’s sound profile and tactile experience stand out as exceptionally engaging. If you find yourself leaning towards smoother typing experiences and an immersive sound, the WS Jade is clearly a strong contender. Depending on your setup and preferences, you may find similar subjective qualities with a well-tuned Mars switch; however, without more specific information, choosing between these two options may rely heavily on personal preference and the desired sound and feel characteristics you aim to achieve in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer an exceptionally smooth and creamy typing experience that minimizes resistance, the Gateron Mars may be the better option for you, especially if you enjoy a performance-focused switch that feels effortless to use. However, if you appreciate a more textured feedback and a vibrant auditory experience, the WS Jade's unique metallic insert provides a clacky, marbly sound profile that can make each keystroke feel more engaging and satisfyingly resonant. Additionally, the WS Jade's medium bottom-out force of 60 grams offers a stable feel that many find reassuring while typing. In contrast, if you prefer a more subdued typing experience without pronounced auditory feedback, the Mars is the way to go. Ultimately, consider what matters most in your typing experience—whether it's the silky smoothness of the Mars or the rich, immersive sound of the Jade—to make your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Jade Linear

$4.30 per 10

Learn more