Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Outemu Yellow Silver are two compelling options, each catering to distinct preferences and use cases. The Gateron Mars switches stand out with their innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, which contributes to a smooth keystroke experience and durability. Ideal for users who seek a unique feel and reliable performance, the Mars switches appeal to both gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switches are celebrated for their light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making them particularly attractive to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming sessions. While both switches are linear and offer smooth key presses, the Mars leans towards durability and a specialized design, whereas the Yellow Silver emphasizes agility and ease of use. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and Outemu Yellow Silver switches provide distinct auditory experiences due to their differing housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Mars features a nylon top housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the Yellow Silver switch employs a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory profile. This stiffer material enhances resonance and clarity, especially beneficial if RGB lighting is in play due to its translucency. Consequently, users can expect that typing on Mars switches will yield a more muted experience compared to the lively and vibrant sound of the Yellow Silvers.
Examining the bottom housing of the two switches reveals further contrasts and similarities. The Gateron Mars utilizes POM for its bottom housing, which creates a unique, deeper, and more muted sound profile. In comparison, the Outemu Yellow Silver opts for a nylon bottom housing, which again produces a fuller sound through its sound-absorptive qualities. Though the materials are different, both the POM and nylon offer characteristics that contribute to a deeper sound. Nevertheless, the combination of the nylon top and POM bottom in the Mars may yield a more cohesive and rounded auditory experience, while the nylon top and polycarbonate bottom in the Yellow Silver may allow for a clearer delineation between the sounds produced when bottoming out and releasing the key.
Ultimately, the impact of each material on the overall sound and feel of the switches is significant yet complementary, reflecting how top and bottom housings can interplay to create an engaging typing experience. Due to the Mars's nylon top housing and POM bottom, users experience a softer, fuller sound upon release and bottom out, emphasizing the switch's muted character. Meanwhile, the Yellow Silver's combination of nylon and polycarbonate presents a contrast: a clear, crisp response when releasing and a resonant sound when pressed. While both switches deliver enjoyable tactile feedback, their distinctive sound profiles and materials ensure that users can select a switch that aligns with their personal preferences, whether they lean towards a deeper or crisper auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it’s evident that both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a consistent keystroke experience. This means that users will require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke with either switch. However, the key difference lies in the bottom out force: while the Yellow Silver features a bottom out force of 55 grams, the bottom out force for the Mars is unknown. This indicates that the Yellow Silver switch offers a heavier tactile experience when bottoming out, making it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Consequently, the Gateron Mars switch can be considered the lighter option overall, as it maintains a consistent actuation force without the additional resistance at the bottom. This makes the Mars possibly more comfortable for longer typing sessions or gaming, appealing to those who prioritize ease of use, while the Yellow Silver may attract those who enjoy a firmer feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we find notable differences. The Gateron Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that press down on the Mars switch will require less distance before bottoming out compared to the Yellow Silver, resulting in potentially quicker response times favored by gamers. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Yellow Silver may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer deeper presses, offering a different typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: those seeking a more responsive feel might lean towards the Mars, while users who enjoy a deeper actuation may opt for the Yellow Silver.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Mars switch is known for its unique tonal quality, though specific characteristics about its sound profile are not detailed. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile, which means it offers a balance that’s neither too loud nor too soft. This moderate sound level makes it versatile, appealing to a wide range of users from beginners to advanced players whether they are gaming or typing. The combination of the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap selection, so while the Mars might have its distinct sound, the Yellow Silver's neutrality can make it a more universally compatible choice.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Mars switch is praised for its innovative design, including the POK stem and housing materials of Nylon and POM, which can contribute to a smooth and satisfying typing experience. The tactile feedback they provide is geared toward enhancing precision, making them ideal for those who prefer a more controlled keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is recognized for its light actuation force, which allows for quick and responsive key presses. This quality is especially beneficial for gamers who require speed, as it facilitates rapid input without the fatigue that can result from heavier switches. Both switches cater to different preferences in feel but can deliver a satisfying typing experience in their own right.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mars and Outemu Yellow Silver switches each shine in their respective qualities, they offer different experiences. The Mars leans toward a unique sound profile and refined feel due to its innovative materials, while the Yellow Silver provides a solid neutral sound and rapid responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and finger feel, but both options have the potential to deliver solid performance for gaming or typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a quick responsiveness and prefer a switch that feels light and agile, the Yellow Silver, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, may be the better choice for you. It's designed for gamers and typists who enjoy a smooth, speedy experience without much resistance, making it versatile for varying typing tasks, whether you're gaming or writing. On the other hand, if you seek a unique design and potentially smoother keystrokes, consider the Gateron Mars switch. While the specifics on the bottom-out force for Mars are less defined, its unique POK stem construction can provide an innovative feel that may appeal to those who want a distinct typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your preferred typing style, the activities you’ll primarily engage in, and whether you appreciate a conventional approach or are inclined to try something new in mechanical switches.
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