Overview
Gateron has joined the space race! Here are some of their space inspired switches, will they be out of this world?
| Gateron Mars |
| Gateron Weightlessness |
| Gateron Zero Degree |
Gateron Mars
Product Details
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| Name | Gateron Mars |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | Nylon |
| Bottom Housing Material | POM |
| Stem Material | POK |
| Operating Force | 45g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 1.2mm |
| Total Travel | 3.6mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The Gateron Mars feels comfortably light and smooth to actuate. The combination of its POK stem rails gliding along the POM bottom housing creates a glossy feeling keypress. The factory lube in the Gateron Mars is lightly applied but it feels consistent enough to use stock without having to open them up and apply lube by hand. The Gateron Mars has a short travel distance and coupled with the lighter spring weight it could feel comfortable for light typists or it could feel too sudden for heavy typists.
Switch Sound
To give perspective, the Gateron Mars has an overall sound profile reminiscent of Gateron Milky Yellows with the milky top and the black nylon bottom housing. The Gateron Mars provides a more refined sound profile of the Gateron Milky Yellow. It has a creamy sound signature with a sharp bottom out sound due to the long pole stem and short travel distance. Essentially the Gateron Mars has the creamy top out sound profile of a Gateron Milky Yellow, but with a classic long pole bottom out sound. The Gateron Mars would be a good switch to try for those who like the sound of a milky top housing.
Here is a sound test of the Gateron Mars:
Gateron Weightlessness
Product Details
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| Name | Gateron Weightlessness |
| Switch Type | Tactile |
| Top Housing Material | Nylon |
| Bottom Housing Material | Nylon |
| Stem Material | POM |
| Operating Force | 50g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 2.0mm |
| Total Travel | 3.4mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The Gateron Weightlessness feels like a lighter tactile switch, although similar in spring weight to the Gateron Mini I, which could be due to its smaller tactile bump. The Gateron Weightlessness feels like its tactility is more of a lower case "p" which a similar bump at the top of the keypress and a short linear travel and the bottom out. Relative to the Gateron Mini I, the tactility of the Gateron Weightlessness doesn't feel as crisp. However the Gateron Weightlessness has a sharp tactile feel right at the top of the keypress. The Gateron Weightlessness would be a good option to try if you are coming from a linear switch since the tactile bump doesn't feel too large, but you would still be getting a distinct tactile feel unlike a generic brown tactile switch.
Switch Sound
The sharp tactility of the Gateron Weightlessness aids in creating a slightly higher pitched creamy sound profile. The Gateron Weightlessness leans more towards the higher end of the pitched spectrum, but due to the tactile bump breaking up the sound and a milky top, it creates a more well rounded sound profile that has notes of both clacky and thocky. The Gateron Weightlessness would be a good choice for those wanting a clear sounding typing experience that isn't dictated by foams.
Here is a sound test of the Gateron Weightlessness:
Gateron Green Apple
Product Details
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| Name | Gateron Zero Degree |
| Switch Type | Silent Linear |
| Top Housing Material | PC |
| Bottom Housing Material | PA66 |
| Stem Material | POM |
| Operating Force | 45g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 1.8mm |
| Total Travel | 3.6mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The Gateron Zero Degree feels smooth with no noticeable scratch on each keypress. The Gateron Zero Degree has a dual rail stem design which creates stable and consistent actuations especially in the N/S stem tolerances. The Gateron Zero Degree also features a new design for their silencing mechanism. Instead of silicon dampeners on the rails of the stem, the Gateron Zero Degree uses a double shoulder silent pad on the top housing and four silent pads on the bottom housing for its silencing mechanism. These paddings help to dampen and disperse the sound while still retaining the feel of a non-silent switch. The Gateron Zero Degree feels responsive to type on with no mushy bottom out feel.
Switch Sound
The Gateron Zero Degree, despite its name, is not a completely silent switch. It retains some of its character especially when it returns on the top out. This could be due to it using silencing pads instead of the traditional silicon dampeners. Nonetheless, the Gateron Zero Degree is still a quiet switch and suitable for users in an office or a shared space. The Gateron Zero Degree would be a good option for those who are looking for a quieter switch that still has some character in its sound and feel.
Here is a sound test of the Gateron Zero Degree:
Conclusion
The Gateron Mars, Gateron Weightlessness, and Gateron Zero Degree are some of Gateron's recent switches that each have their own distinct characteristics that separates them from the current market of switches. They provide individualistic qualities that would be suitable for those looking to try a linear, a tactile, and a silent linear switch that offers a novel typing experience. So, are these Gateron switches out of this world? Give them a try to find out for yourselves!
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