Gateron Luciola vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and Gateron Lunar Probe both offer unique features and advantages. The Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark design and medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing experience with a distinctive sound profile. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe showcases Gateron's dual rail mechanism for stable and consistent keypresses, along with a supremely smooth linear sensation and subtle sound signature. While the Luciola is known for its snappy and clacky typing feel, the Lunar Probe offers a more refined and polished experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Lunar Probe exhibit different characteristics and qualities. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a thin, high-pitched, and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The difference in material between the two switches contributes to their distinct sound profiles, with the Luciola offering a more pointed sound while the Lunar Probe produces a clearer and more resonant sound.
In terms of housing material for the bottom housing, the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Lunar Probe also differ. The Luciola uses its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar high-pitched and clacky sound profile to its top housing. Conversely, the Lunar Probe utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon absorbs more sound than the harder plastics typically used in switch housings, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Luciola's bottom housing.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Lunar Probe, both switches are designed to offer a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles. The split between top and bottom housing allows for specific qualities of each material to shine through in different aspects of the typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during key presses, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a greater role in the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the choice of housing material in each switch contributes to their individual sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch differ in weight. The Luciola has a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Lunar Probe has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Lunar Probe switch lighter in terms of force required for typing. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Lunar Probe for prolonged typing sessions, while others may lean towards the heavier actuation force of the Luciola for a more substantial typing experience. In either case, both switches offer a balance between actuation and bottom out forces, providing a satisfying typing feel for different preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, you will experience the same amount of travel distance with both switches. Due to their identical travel distances, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and keypress experience between the two switches. They both offer a consistent typing experience with their 3.6 mm travel distance, making them suitable options for users looking for a linear switch with a moderate amount of key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 Luciola linear switch is known for its clacky and chirpy sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offers a more subtle sound signature, giving off a smoother and quieter typing sound. Depending on personal preference, the Luciola switch may be favored by those who enjoy a more pronounced and expressive typing sound, while the Lunar Probe switch caters to individuals who prefer a quieter and more understated typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is described as snappy and buttery, offering a responsive and smooth typing sensation. The Lunar Probe switch, on the other hand, is praised for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear feel, providing a consistent and fluid typing experience. Both switches are designed to minimize friction and provide a seamless keystroke, giving users a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola and Lunar Probe linear switches each have their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Luciola switch offers a more vibrant and expressive sound profile with a snappy and buttery typing feel, the Lunar Probe switch provides a smoother and quieter sound with an incredibly smooth and consistent typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sound and feel. However, both switches are designed to deliver a high-quality and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a bouncy typing feel with a clacky, chirpy, or marbly sound profile, the Luciola switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and desire a smooth, pre-lubed linear typing sensation with stable and consistent keypresses, the Lunar Probe switch could be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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