Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Lunar Probe mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Gateron Ink Yellow is best known for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch offers a smooth and pleasant feel with a noticeable clackiness, making it ideal for those looking for a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe boasts Gateron's dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses. These switches are incredibly smooth, pre-lubed, and offer a subtle sound signature. While the Ink Yellow is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Polished', the Lunar Probe's categorization is not specified. When choosing between these switches, consider whether you prioritize a more traditional typing feel or a cutting-edge mechanism for stability and consistency. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Lunar Probe switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its relatively high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Lunar Probe allows for a clearer sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's INK blend bottom housing shares a similar high-pitched sound profile to its top housing, while the Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer plastic composition.
While the top housing of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches may differ in material, they both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow creates a satisfyingly clacky sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Lunar Probe offers a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Nylon bottom housing of the Lunar Probe produces a deeper and rounder sound compared to the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow, which shares similar high-pitched characteristics to its top housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the specific sound profile and feel that the user prefers.
In summary, while the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Lunar Probe switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, each material contributes to a unique sound profile. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow and the polycarbonate top housing of the Lunar Probe offer distinct sound characteristics, with the former being clacky and high-pitched, and the latter sharper and clearer. Similarly, the Nylon bottom housing of the Lunar Probe provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, users looking for a specific sound profile and feel will need to consider the housing materials of each switch when making their decision.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, it is evident that the Ink Yellow is the heavier option with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Lunar Probe is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Ink Yellow provides a more medium-heavy typing experience compared to the lighter feel of the Lunar Probe. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel during keystrokes, making them ideal for fast and precise typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force, with the Ink Yellow offering a more substantial typing experience and the Lunar Probe providing a lighter touch for longer typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prioritize faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for quick key presses during gameplay. However, the difference between 3.5 mm and 3.6 mm is minimal, so in practice, users may not notice much of a distinction between the two switches in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference and whether a slightly longer travel distance matters to the individual user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Ink Yellow linear switch is known for its neutral and clacky qualities, making it suitable for a variety of users and purposes. The Lunar Probe switch, on the other hand, lacks a specific description in terms of sound, leaving it unknown how it compares to the Ink Yellow in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is characterized by its mild and polished attributes, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes it an appealing choice for users looking for a comfortable typing feel without too much resistance. As for the Gateron Lunar Probe switch, there is no specific description provided for its feel, leaving it unclear how it differs from the Ink Yellow in terms of tactile feedback and keypress sensation.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is known for its specific sound and feel characteristics, the information available for the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is limited, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches in these aspects. However, based on the information provided, it can be assumed that the Ink Yellow may offer a more defined typing experience in terms of sound and feel compared to the Lunar Probe. For users seeking a similar typing experience to the Ink Yellow, opting for the Lunar Probe may potentially provide comparable results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, consider the bottom out force preference and typing experience you desire. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, clacky typing experience reminiscent of a laptop keyboard, then the Gateron Ink Yellow may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a stable, consistently smooth linear sensation with a subtle sound signature, then the Gateron Lunar Probe may be the switch for you. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Make sure to test both switches if possible to see which one feels the most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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