Kailh Box White vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and Gateron Lunar Probe stand out as popular options. The Box White is a clicky switch that offers a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe is a linear switch known for its smooth, pre-lubed sensation and stable keypresses due to Gateron's dual rail mechanism. While the Box White provides maximum audio feedback, the Lunar Probe offers a quieter typing 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, both the Kailh Box White and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal choices for users looking for a more resonant sound and aesthetic appeal, especially when using RGB lighting. Additionally, the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
While both switches share similar top and bottom housing materials, the Box White and Lunar Probe switches may offer slightly different typing experiences due to the impact of the housing materials on the sound and feel of the switches. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, emphasizing the sharp and crisp qualities associated with this material. Despite these differences, both switches are likely to provide users with comparable results given their shared housing materials.
In conclusion, the choice between the Kailh Box White and Gateron Lunar Probe switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience. While both switches offer similar housing materials in their polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings, each switch may deliver a slightly unique sound and feel due to the distribution of these materials within the switch. Whether users prioritize a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller typing experience, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience for those looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lunar Probe's 45 grams, making it slightly more resistant to keypresses. In terms of bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams, while the Lunar Probe only needs 50 grams, making the Lunar Probe lighter overall. The Box White provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the Lunar Probe offers a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer similar results in terms of how they operate, but the slight variances in force can make a difference in the overall typing experience for the user.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing these two switches, their travel distance is the same, meaning you'll get similar results in terms of keypress feel and response. The 3.6 mm travel distance on both switches allows for a consistent typing experience, whether you prefer a clicky or linear switch mechanism. While one might expect differences in travel distance between the two switch types, in this case, the Kailh Box White and Gateron Lunar Probe offer the same distance for keypress activation and bottoming out, providing users with reliable performance across both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
The Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 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 Kailh Box White clicky switch is lauded for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. This switch provides a tactile feedback that emphasizes precision and audibility during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch boasts a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with consistent keypresses. The Lunar Probe switch's dual rail mechanism ensures stability and reliability in each keypress, while the Box White switch's accentuated tactility enhances the typing experience with a satisfying crunch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference, with the Box White offering a more pronounced auditory feedback and tactile experience, while the Lunar Probe provides a smoother, more subdued typing sensation. Whether you opt for the Box White or the Lunar Probe, you can expect a high-quality typing experience based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value maximum audio feedback and enjoy a clicky, tactile typing experience, then the Box White switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, consistent keypress with a lighter bottom out force, then the Lunar Probe switch is the better option for you. Consider the sound profile and feel of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you.
Mentioned in this article
