Gateron CM vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CM and Gateron Lunar Probe both offer unique qualities worth considering. The CM switch stands out for its full nylon housing, providing a richer sound signature and an effortlessly smooth typing experience thanks to its impeccable factory lube job. With a lengthened, dual-staged spring, this switch offers a bouncy typing sensation that is categorized as buttery, bassy, polished, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, frictionless. The Lunar Probe switch features Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism for stable and consistent keypresses, along with a pre-lubed linear feel and a subtle sound signature. While the CM switch may be preferred for its unique housing material and typing experience, the Lunar Probe switch shines for its stable keypresses and smooth linear sensation. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the Gateron Lunar Probe differ in their housing materials, with the CM featuring a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Lunar Probe has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The CM's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition that leads to a clear and resonant sound. While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the difference in the top housing material significantly influences the sound produced by each switch.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the Gateron CM and the Gateron Lunar Probe both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, regardless of whether it's used in the top or bottom housing, is known for its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the top housing may impact the sound as you let go of a key, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. This shared characteristic in housing material ensures a consistent typing experience across both switches.
In conclusion, the choice of housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of mechanical switches like the Gateron CM and the Gateron Lunar Probe. While the CM's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share a similar typing experience due to their common use of nylon in the bottom housing, which absorbs sound effectively and creates a rounder sound profile. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials highlight the importance of material selection in achieving desired sound characteristics in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, it becomes evident that there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CM switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Lunar Probe switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a more lightweight feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may lean towards the Lunar Probe switch, while individuals seeking a more substantial push feel may opt for the CM switch. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users, with weight being a key factor in decision-making.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key press feel and overall typing experience. It is worth noting that both switches have identical travel distances, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a specific key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched experience, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is described as providing a more subtle sound signature, but specific descriptors are not provided. Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, both switches can deliver a satisfying auditory experience, although the CM switch may offer a more distinct and pronounced sound profile.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CM linear switch is praised for its buttery, polished, and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Additionally, these switches are described as providing a frictionless typing experience, ensuring a fluid and seamless journey with each keystroke. In comparison, information about the feel of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is unavailable, making direct comparisons challenging.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch stands out for its bold nylon housing, bouncy typing experience, and rich sound profile, combined with a smooth and buttery feel that enhances the typing journey. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch features a dual rail mechanism for stable keypresses, pre-lubed linear sensation, and a more subtle sound signature, although specific details about its feel are lacking. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to a wide range of typing preferences. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches on different boards and with various keycap configurations can help determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, consider the bottom out force and sound/feel preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a bassy, thocky, low-pitched sound profile with a buttery, polished, creamy, or frictionless typing experience, then the Gateron CM linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and desire a stable and consistent keypress experience with a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation, then the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound signature.
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