Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Lunar Probe each present unique qualities that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Glory Yellow switch, known for its heavier build in the Glory lineup, offers a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, making it a great choice for those seeking a tactile and enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe switches stand out with their innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring stability and consistency with each keypress. Additionally, the pre-lubed linear sensation of the Lunar Probe provides an exceptionally smooth feel, complemented by a subtle sound profile that avoids disrupting your workflow. While both switches excel in delivering a quality typing experience, the choice ultimately hinges on personal preference—whether you prioritize a heavier tactile feedback or the whisper-quiet smoothness of the Lunar Probe. 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
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Lunar Probe switches, the notable differences lie in the top housing components. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a more muted auditory response when typing. In contrast, the Lunar Probe employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is considerably stiffer. This rigidity contributes to a brighter and crisper sound profile, emphasizing higher frequencies and a more resonant tone. Consequently, while both switches exhibit unique sound characteristics, the Glory Yellow offers a rounder, softer auditory experience compared to the sharper clarity of the Lunar Probe.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which influences the overall typing sound and feel significantly. The nylon material in the bottom housing provides a similar deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, ensuring that the typing experience retains some level of consistency. When pressed, the bottom housing's properties dominate the sound and tactile feedback, leading to a well-rounded auditory response across both switch types. Thus, while the top housings diverge in sound quality, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a comparable depth and character in their bottom-out sound.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials introduces a nuanced typing experience for each switch. The Glory Yellow's plush sound emanates from its nylon top, complemented by a similarly tuned nylon bottom, creating a cohesive auditory narrative. Meanwhile, the Lunar Probe's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom merges the crispness of the former with the depth of the latter. This duality allows both switches to achieve unique sound profiles while still benefiting from the soft acoustic qualities of nylon in their bottom sections. Consequently, users can expect that while the switches will produce distinct typings sounds based on their top housings, the overall experience will retain a foundational softness in both cases, granting a balance of auditory satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Lunar Probe, which has an actuating force of 45 grams. This difference means that users who favor a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may find the Lunar Probe more suitable. However, the Glory Yellow's bottom out force is unspecified, leaving a gap in comparison; conversely, the Lunar Probe has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which means it provides a defined resistance once fully compressed. Thus, for those preferring a more substantial typing experience, the additional actuation force of the Glory Yellow may appeal to them. Ultimately, the Glory Yellow is the heavier switch, while the Lunar Probe is the lighter option, catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, the differences are notable. The Glory Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Lunar Probe features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The traditional travel distance of 4 mm is often preferred for its more tactile feedback, whereas the 3.6 mm distance of the Lunar Probe aligns with the growing trend towards shorter travel distances favored by gamers for quicker response times. Ultimately, if you lean towards a more responsive and abrupt feel, the Lunar Probe would be the ideal choice. Conversely, if you enjoy a more pronounced depth, the Glory Yellow would better suit your preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches are characterized by a smooth and relatively quiet keystroke, producing a subtle sound that is less intrusive than tactile or clicky switches. Their sound signature tends to lean towards a more muted experience, which enhances the typing experience without being disruptive. Conversely, the Gateron Lunar Probe switches offer an incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation that pair with a subtle sound signature, contributing to a similarly quiet demeanor while typing. Both switches prioritize a more understated acoustic footprint, making them ideal for environments where noise levels are a consideration.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches deliver a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, which offers a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Their heavier linear action allows for a more substantial sensation when bottoming out, giving typists confidence in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe switches utilize Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism, which ensures stable and consistent keypresses. This design, combined with its pre-lubed nature, provides a notably smooth typing experience as well. While the Glory Yellow has a firmer feel due to its heavier nature, the Lunar Probe focuses on delivering a consistently smooth and effortless keystroke.
Overall, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches cater to users who prefer a linear switch experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics. If you lean toward a heavier switch with a more substantial feel, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and consistent keystroke, the Lunar Probe may be more to your liking. In essence, both switches offer a quiet acoustic profile and a smooth typing experience, making either a strong contender depending on your specific preferences in weight and tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance while favoring a slightly more tactile experience, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice due to its overall fluidity and comfortable feel. However, if you prioritize stability and consistency in your keystrokes, the Gateron Lunar Probe may be more appealing, especially with its dual rail mechanism and pre-lubed design that promises an incredibly smooth experience. The Lunar Probe's light bottom-out force of 50 grams, combined with its subtle sound profile, makes it ideal for those who want a quieter setup without sacrificing performance. So, think about how you value sound, feel, and stability in your typing experience, and select the switch that best aligns with your needs. In the end, both switches have their unique attributes; it comes down to what fits your typing habits and aesthetic preferences the best.
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