What is the different between a steel hammer and mallet?

A steel hammer typically features a solid metal head and is designed for driving nails, shaping metal, or breaking objects due to its hard impact. In contrast, a mallet has a softer head, often made of rubber, wood, or plastic, which makes it ideal for tasks that require a gentler touch, such as driving chisels or assembling furniture without damaging surfaces. The key difference lies in their intended use and the material of their striking surface.