Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Lunar Probe offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch that provides a gentle bump while typing, enhancing the overall typing experience without disrupting your flow. It also boasts a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe is a linear switch known for its smooth and pre-lubed sensation, ensuring consistent and stable keypresses. Each switch has its own strengths and advantages depending on your typing style and preferences. 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
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Lunar Probe, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing of both switches differs from the top housing material. Nylon, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Lunar Probe results in similar sound profiles characterized by sharpness and clarity. This material is particularly beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound for a rounder sound experience. While the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
In terms of materials, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Lunar Probe share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a clear and resonant sound profile. However, the switches differ in their bottom housing material, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches showcase how the choice of housing materials can impact the sound and feel of typing, highlighting the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing when evaluating switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Lunar Probe. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for users who prefer a heavier force. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Brown is more traditional, providing a bit more depth to the keypress, which some users may find more comfortable. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Lunar Probe offers a slightly quicker response time, which can be preferred by gamers or those looking for a more streamlined typing experience. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, but the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lunar Probe. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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
The G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is known for producing a medium-high pitch sound that offers a satisfying auditory feedback to the user, enhancing the typing experience with an extra layer of joy. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe switch is described as having a subtle sound signature, which can provide a quieter typing environment. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is characterized by an easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. This results in a typing experience that is effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the mild characteristics of these switches provide a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe switch offers an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, ensuring consistent and stable keypresses. However, specific details on the tactile feel of the Lunar Probe switch are unknown.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences, both switches aim to provide a high-quality typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switch excels in delivering a medium-high pitch sound and an easy-to-press feel, while the Lunar Probe switch focuses on stability and smooth linear keypresses. Depending on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, choosing between these switches can help enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering which switch to choose between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you value a medium bottom out force, a tactile bump that enhances typing flow, and a medium-high pitch sound for a satisfying auditory feedback, then the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a smooth and pre-lubed linear feel for consistent keypresses, and a subtle sound signature, then the Lunar Probe is the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what suits your typing style and needs best.
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