Keygeek Keylin vs. Gateron Lunar Probe

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Lunar Probe both stand out as exemplary linear options that cater to different typing preferences. The Keylin, heralded for its innovative molds, offers a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it a popular choice for typists seeking a satisfying feel and sound with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe shines with its novel dual rail mechanism, ensuring stability and consistency in keypresses, complemented by an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation that many users find irresistible. While both switches provide a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Keylin may appeal more to those who value acoustic feedback and a luxurious feel, whereas the Lunar Probe might be the go-to for users prioritizing stability and a subtle sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Keylin Linear

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Lunar Probe feature distinct top housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles during typing. The Keylin's top housing is made of nylon, a material known for its softer, more absorbent properties, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This design choice creates a damping effect that softens the sound upon keypress, making for a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Lunar Probe utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, characterized by its rigidity and clarity. This choice allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that resonates more distinctly. Consequently, while both switches aim to provide an enjoyable auditory feedback during use, the Keylin leans towards a more subdued sound, while the Lunar Probe offers a bright and clear auditory signature.

When examining the bottom housing of these switches, an interesting similarity emerges. Both the Keylin and the Lunar Probe employ nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a shared acoustic trait. The nylon material in both switches absorbs sound effectively and provides a deeper, rounder profile upon key contact. This consistency ensures that, regardless of the differing top housings, a substantial portion of sound quality and tactile feedback feels cohesive across both designs. When bottoming out key presses, users of either switch will experience the characteristic softer, muted sound inherent to nylon, creating a familiar sensation even as the top housings provide contrasting auditory experiences.

Ultimately, the interplay between the different materials in the Keygeek Keylin and Gateron Lunar Probe creates unique typing experiences characterized by their specific sound profiles. The variance in top housing materials allows for nuanced auditory differences; however, the similar nylon composition of both bottom housings ensures that certain qualities resonate across both models. As a result, while typing on these switches, users can expect a blend of sound characteristics—deeper and muffled from the nylon materials in the bottom housings, with the top's material influencing the sound on release. This duality results in a rich typing experience, where the sonic experience is enhanced by the contrasting features of the top housing while still maintaining some degree of sonic continuity thanks to the shared nylon in the bottoms.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, we see some interesting distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. In contrast, the Lunar Probe has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches are classified as light, the Keylin offers a more delicate touch compared to the heavier feel of the Lunar Probe. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Keylin to be more comfortable, while those who appreciate a stronger push might opt for the Lunar Probe for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the differences in force cater to varying preferences for typing feel and endurance.

Travel distance

Both the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they provide an identical experience in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed down. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and overall performance from both switches, making them equally suited for those who prefer this specific travel distance in their typing or gaming experience. Since their travel distances are the same, there will be no difference in key feel or actuation depth between the two, allowing for a consistent and comparable user experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch to that of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, both exhibit unique acoustic characteristics that contribute to their overall typing experience. The Keylin switch is renowned for its rich acoustics, suggesting a fuller and more pronounced sound when key presses are executed. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe's subtle sound signature offers a quieter and more understated auditory feedback during typing. It's important to note that the sound produced can vary significantly based on other factors, such as the choice of keyboard case and keycap material, but those distinct qualities set the two switches apart in terms of auditory experience.

Regarding the feel of these switches, the Keylin excels in delivering exceptional smoothness during key presses, which enhances the overall tactile experience while typing. Meanwhile, the Gateron Lunar Probe is known for its incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation, providing a consistently pleasant feel across its key presses. While both switches emphasize smoothness, the Keylin’s focus on an enriched tactile feedback may create a slightly different sensation compared to the Lunar Probe’s effortless gliding motion, though the overall experience can be similarly enjoyable.

In conclusion, both the Keygeek Keylin and Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches present compelling options for those seeking a premium typing experience. The Keylin offers a richer sound profile paired with exceptional smoothness, while the Lunar Probe provides a more subtle sound and a similarly smooth feel, thanks to its dual rail mechanism and pre-lubed design. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, either switch could deliver a satisfying experience, allowing users to enjoy a high level of performance in their mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, it's essential to consider what aspects of key feel and sound are most important to you. If you're looking for a switch that offers a premium typing experience with rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, the Keylin might be the ideal choice. With its lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams, it provides a fast and responsive feel that can be especially appealing for fast typists or gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, if you value stable and consistent keypresses along with an incredibly smooth linear sensation, the Gateron Lunar Probe proves to be an excellent option. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams and Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism, these switches ensure reliability and durability, making them suitable for those who prefer a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your specific preferences for sound and tactile feel, along with the type of activities for which you plan to use your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more