Gateron Mars vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between unique options that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mars is an innovative linear switch that boasts a distinctive design featuring a POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, providing a smooth keystroke ideal for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ offers an entirely POM construction, which results in an exceptionally satisfying typing experience characterized by a deep "thock" sound and buttery-smooth feel. While the Mars is praised for its innovative materials and advanced design, the WS POM+ stands out for its acoustic and tactile qualities that appeal to those seeking a more immersive experience. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which play a significant role in shaping their overall sound profiles. The Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer and more absorbent properties compared to harder plastics. This characteristic allows the Mars to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile that is both muted and round. In contrast, the WS POM+ employs a POM top housing, renowned for creating a unique sound that, while also leaning towards the deeper and more muted side, offers an inherently different acoustic quality due to the properties of POM. Although both switches aim to deliver a pleasant sound experience, the different materials result in varied auditory sensations.
The bottom housings of both switches present an interesting comparison, as both utilize POM, which is known for contributing to a pleasing and consistent sound. By employing the same POM material in both models, both the Gateron Mars and the WS POM+ are able to produce deeper and more muted sound profiles at the bottom-out stage. In this arena, the similarities stand out, as the bottom housings in both switches impact the overall feel when keys are pressed. Consequently, the tactile experience remains consistent across both switches despite the differences in their respective top housing materials.
In summation, while the Gateron Mars and Wuque Studio WS POM+ share a commonality in their use of POM for the bottom housing, they diverge in the choice of their top housing materials—nylon for the Mars and POM for the WS POM+. This dichotomy results in varied sound profiles during key releases, with the Mars achieving a deeper and fuller sound through its nylon top. Conversely, the WS POM+ aims for a more unique acoustic experience with its POM material. Ultimately, while similarities in bottom housing create a familiar tactile sensation, the distinct characteristics of the top housings lead to unique auditory outcomes that can appeal to different preferences among users.
Weight
The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke, which is ideal for users who appreciate a consistent typing experience. However, the bottom out force differs significantly between the two: while the bottom out force for the Gateron Mars is unknown, the WS POM+ has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that, when fully pressed, the WS POM+ switch provides a more substantial resistance. As a result, users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may gravitate towards the Gateron Mars due to its unknown bottom out force, while those who enjoy a firmer feel might favor the WS POM+. Thus, while both switches offer identical actuation forces, the adaptation to the bottom out force is crucial for defining the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. As a result, both switches will provide a consistent keystroke experience, emphasizing smoothness and linearity during use. Thus, when considering travel distance, neither switch offers a shorter or longer distance, ensuring a comparable performance in terms of key travel.
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 Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90 per 10 switches.
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
The Gateron Mars linear switch has a sound profile that is not explicitly described, but it is important to consider that sound can vary based on other factors, such as the keyboard build and keycap material. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch is characterized by a deep, satisfying "thock" sound when typing, which many users find pleasing and indicative of a more premium feel. This "thock" can enhance the overall typing experience, making it more enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory feedback. However, it's worth noting that individual preferences may lead to varying interpretations of sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mars switch features a unique design with a POK stem made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which typically aims for a smooth and consistent keystroke. Meanwhile, the WS POM+ switch is celebrated for offering a buttery-smooth keystroke, which may provide an exceptionally pleasant experience for users looking for ease of travel and actuation. Both switches emphasize a smooth typing experience, making them a choice for users who prioritize fluidity over tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mars linear switch's acoustic and tactile characteristics are not fully described, the WS POM+ switch clearly excels in delivering a rich sound profile and a notably smooth keystroke. If you're looking for a sound that resonates deeply and a typing feel that glides effortlessly, the WS POM+ may have the edge. However, if the sound dynamics of the Mars switch align with your preferences, you could still achieve a satisfying typing experience with it. Ultimately, your choice may involve considering how each switch feels and sounds within the context of your specific keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In concluding this comparison, it’s essential to consider your specific preferences and typing style when choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch. If you lean towards a lighter keypress with a unique design and appreciate a smooth feel, the Gateron Mars may be the better option for you. Its innovative combination of a POK stem and a blended Nylon and POM housing offers a distinct typing experience that can be enjoyable for long hours of typing or gaming. In contrast, if you prefer a more defined resistance with a bottom-out force that provides a satisfying tactile feedback, the WS POM+ is likely your best bet. With its fully POM construction, it offers a deeper "thock" sound signature and an exceptionally smooth stroke, making it ideal for users who enjoy that auditory and tactile satisfaction while typing. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you seek a lightweight, innovative switch or a more substantial, acoustically pleasing experience that delivers consistent feedback.
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