TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Lunar Probe mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches known for their smooth keystrokes. The TTC Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness, offering a shorter travel distance that results in a decisive and solid bottom-out with each press. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe features a unique dual rail mechanism for stable and consistent keypresses, along with a pre-lubed linear sensation that ensures smooth typing. While the Gold Silver is praised for its speed, sound, and fluidity, the Lunar Probe emphasizes stability and smoothness. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Lunar Probe are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. With this similarity, users can expect a similar sound profile and aesthetic experience from both switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, the switches differ in their bottom housing material. The Gold Silver features a nylon bottom housing, which is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering users a similar experience in terms of sound and feel. Both switches with nylon bottom housings provide a unique typing experience that emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Gold Silver and the Lunar Probe comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing that provides a clear and resonant sound profile, the difference in their nylon bottom housings offers a slightly different typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with the Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing or a deeper sound profile with the Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing, both switches offer quality housing materials that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, we see that both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light to press. However, the bottom out force differs, with the Gold Silver having an unknown bottom out force while the Lunar Probe requires 50 grams of force to bottom out, which is considered light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches offer a similar feel when actuating keys. However, the Lunar Probe provides a slightly heavier bottoming out force for those who prefer a more substantial push feel during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for those who prefer a faster response time, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two may not be significant to most users, as the 0.1 mm variance is minimal. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Silver and Lunar Probe switches will come down to personal preference for the slight difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. This switch is also described as having a neutral sound, making it suitable for various settings and user preferences. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is not provided, but it is essential to consider that sound can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is characterized by its polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with minimal resistance and a gentle actuation force. These qualities make it approachable to most users and suitable for shared spaces. Conversely, details on the feel of the Gateron Lunar Probe switch are not provided, but it is crucial to note that the switch features a dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses, adding to the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Lunar Probe switches differ in their sound and feel based on the available information, both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gold Silver switch excels in providing a rapid and smooth typing experience with a satisfying sound signature, while the Lunar Probe switch focuses on stability and consistency in keypresses. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, precision, and a resonant sound signature in your typing experience, the TTC Gold Silver switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek stability, consistency, and an incredibly smooth linear sensation, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch with its dual rail mechanism and pre-lubed feature could suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what aspects of typing experience matter most to you – whether it be speed, sound, smoothness, or stability. Choose wisely to enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
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