Gateron Lunar Probe vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and KTT Mallo offer unique typing experiences worth considering. The Lunar Probe is praised for its stable and consistent keypresses, thanks to Gateron's dual rail mechanism. This linear switch provides an exceptionally smooth and pre-lubed sensation, accompanied by a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Mallo from KTT stands out for its gentle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overpowering. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo strikes a balance that caters to a wide range of typists. While both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, it's essential to delve deeper into their characteristics to determine which is the best fit for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 Gateron Lunar Probe and KTT Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these housings creates a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. With their similar top housing materials, both switches are likely to deliver comparable sound profiles and aesthetics when in use, emphasizing the importance of polycarbonate in switch design.
In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the KTT Mallo also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon housings. Despite their shared bottom housing material, the Lunar Probe and Mallo may still exhibit slightly different sound profiles and typing experiences based on their unique design and construction.
When comparing the effects of the top and bottom housing materials on a switch, it's important to consider how each material impacts the overall sound and feel of typing. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact on bottom-out sound and feel, will be more noticeable when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the distinctions between different housing materials, keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their typing experience to suit their preferences and needs.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Lunar Probe is 50 grams, while the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier. Lighter actuation forces are preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, allowing for smoother keystrokes. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Mallo provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer slightly different experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to a variety of user preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lunar Probe offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Mallo, making it a good choice for those looking for a quicker response time, which is preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Mallo provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may feel more satisfying for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular today, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience, with the Lunar Probe offering just a slightly quicker key press than the Mallo.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 offers a subtle sound signature, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience. In comparison, the KTT Mallo switch is known for its neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with the Lunar Probe leaning towards a more subtle sound and the Mallo being neutral and subdued.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is praised for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, providing a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch offers a feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of actuation force and feedback. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Lunar Probe focusing on smoothness and consistency while the Mallo offers a more varied tactile experience.
Overall, both the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch have their own unique qualities that make them appealing to different users. The Lunar Probe excels in providing a smooth and stable linear typing experience with a subtle sound signature, while the Mallo strikes a balance between gentle tactility, medium-light typing feel, and a neutral sound profile. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, either of these switches can offer a satisfying typing experience for different users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider your preference for keypress stability and consistency alongside a smooth, linear sensation versus a subtle tactile feedback. If you value a light bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with minimal sound, the Lunar Probe may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more noticeable tactile feedback and a balanced typing feel with a neutral sound profile, the Mallo switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
