Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of various options, particularly when comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Magnetic Jade. The Lunar Probe, known for its innovative dual rail mechanism, offers users an exceptionally smooth linear typing experience thanks to its pre-lubed design, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses with a subtle sound signature. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and precision without the distraction of audible feedback. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade switch stands out with its bright and clacky sound profile, appealing to those who crave an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. These hall effect switches not only provide a superior typing sensation but also enhance acoustics, making them perfect for users looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. Ultimately, both switches have unique characteristics catering to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Magnetic Jade are notably similar, especially in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material, which is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity leads to comparable sound characteristics in both switches when it comes to their upper housing, as polycarbonate’s stiffness enables a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of each switch. Consequently, users seeking to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setups can expect a similar performance in illumination and sound projection from both the Lunar Probe and the Magnetic Jade.
Contrastingly, while both switches share the same top housing material, they diverge in their sound profiles at the bottom housing level. The Lunar Probe features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic results in a more muted, rounder sound when typing. The Magnetic Jade also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, thereby offering the same acoustic qualities as its counterpart. As both switches maintain nylon for their lower housing, users will experience the same bolstered depth to the sound profile, ensuring a consistent auditory experience across both models with respect to bottom-out sounds.
Overall, the Gateron Lunar Probe and Magnetic Jade exhibit a harmonious blend of polycarbonate and nylon in their construction, yielding a complementary sound profile. Given that the top housings are identical and both switches complement their top housing characteristics with the same nylon material below, users can anticipate similar auditory experiences when typing. However, the unique interplay of the top and bottom housing materials ensures that while the sound profiles will be akin, the overall typing sensation may still feel distinct due to variations in the response and feel due to physical housing interactions. Regardless, the similarities in material usage ensure that both models will deliver excellent performance for enthusiasts seeking a quality typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lunar Probe features a relatively heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Magnetic Jade’s lighter 30 grams, making the latter easier to press and potentially more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Interestingly, while the Magnetic Jade has a higher bottom out force at 55 grams versus the Lunar Probe's 50 grams, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying tactile experience, with the Magnetic Jade requiring a bit more force to bottom out. Overall, the Lunar Probe is the heavier of the two in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to users who favor a more substantial typing experience, while the Magnetic Jade offers a lighter actuation, ideal for extended use.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although both switches have relatively similar distances, the Lunar Probe offers a marginally deeper feel, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial sensation when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and users who prioritize quicker response times. Ultimately, while both switches may deliver comparable tactile experiences, the Lunar Probe provides a greater travel distance, appealing to those who enjoy a hefty keypress, whereas the Magnetic Jade is ideal for those who favor snappy and responsive action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 Lunar Probe switch is characterized by a subtle sound signature, which contributes to a quieter typing experience that can be appreciated in shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch produces a bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy auditory feedback while they type. The difference in sound profiles highlights the distinct preferences of typists—those who favor a serene atmosphere versus those who relish a more dynamic audio experience. Additionally, the overall sound output can be influenced by other factors like the keyboard’s construction and the material of the keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Lunar Probe presents an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation that offers a satisfying typing experience without any tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who prefer a seamless key press. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade switch, with its hall effect mechanism, is engineered to provide a unique tactile quality that can enhance the typing experience, appealing to those who seek both smoothness and a responsive feel. While the Lunar Probe emphasizes smoothness, the Magnetic Jade might offer a more engaging feedback through its distinctive design, catering to different preferences among typists.
In summary, the Gateron Lunar Probe and Magnetic Jade switches each bring valuable attributes to the table but target different user preferences. The Lunar Probe offers a quieter, smoother typing experience suitable for minimalistic environments, while the Magnetic Jade stands out with its lively sound and potentially engaging tactile feedback. The choice between them ultimately depends on whether one prioritizes a refined and subtle interaction or a more expressive and auditory typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch largely hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter actuation with a smooth and subtle experience, the Lunar Probe is an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless keystrokes, making it great for long typing sessions or when you prioritize speed and precision over tactile feedback. The switch's reliable dual rail mechanism ensures stable keypresses, which enhances your overall performance, particularly in fast-paced gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a touch of auditory excitement along with a solid typing experience, the Magnetic Jade should be your pick. With a medium-light 55-gram bottom-out force, these switches provide a clacky sound profile that adds character to your keyboard. They are particularly suited for users who enjoy the acoustic feedback during typing or gaming, offering a more engaging experience while still maintaining reliability. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your typing style and the kind of feedback you appreciate, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard truly enhances your productivity and enjoyment.
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