Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and Durock Mamba both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Lunar Probe is renowned for its stability and consistency due to its dual rail mechanism, providing a smooth and pre-lubed linear typing experience with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience. While the Lunar Probe is known for its reliable performance, the Mamba stands out for its unique characteristics such as being categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Durock Mamba, one key difference is the top housing material. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows the light to shine through. On the other hand, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a more pleasant and bright sound profile that is not particularly sharp. While both materials have their unique qualities, the polycarbonate top housing of the Lunar Probe provides a crisper sound, while the blend top housing of the Mamba offers a smoother and brighter sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Lunar Probe utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a rounder and more muted sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the Mamba's POM bottom housing creates a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively muted. These differences in bottom housing materials impact the overall sound profile of the switches, with the Lunar Probe offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Mamba's more muted tone.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Durock Mamba differ, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Lunar Probe provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the blend top housing of the Mamba offers a brighter and more pleasant tone. Similarly, the softer nylon bottom housing of the Lunar Probe creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Mamba produces a more muted tone. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a more muted tone, you can achieve similar results with either switch depending on your housing material preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that the Lunar Probe is the lighter of the two. The Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a light and easy typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba offers a slightly heavier feel with a bottom out force of 60 grams, although the actuation force is unknown. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Lunar Probe being preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions due to its lighter touch. In contrast, the Durock Mamba is ideal for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Lunar Probe has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mamba. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant enough to notice a major distinction in feel. Ultimately, whether you choose the Lunar Probe or the Mamba will depend on your personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 more subtle and understated auditory experience, while the Durock Mamba switch provides a rich and creamy sound profile with a gliding typing sensation. The Lunar Probe switch presents a quieter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more discreet sound, whereas the Mamba switch offers a satisfying thocky sound, reminiscent of a deep "thud" or soft "knock" when the key is pressed.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch boasts an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, providing a stable and consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. The Lunar Probe switch may appeal to those who enjoy a smoother and more consistent typing feel, while the Mamba switch caters to individuals who prefer a gentle and approachable typing experience with a sleek finish.
Overall, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Durock Mamba linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Lunar Probe switch emphasizes stability and smoothness with a subtle sound signature, the Mamba switch focuses on a rich auditory experience and gentle typing sensation. Depending on your personal preferences regarding sound profile, typing feel, and overall typing experience, you can achieve similar results with both switches by considering factors such as keycaps and keyboard setup. Ultimately, choosing between the Lunar Probe and Mamba switches boils down to individual preference and desired typing characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Lunar Probe or the Durock Mamba linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value stable and consistent keypresses with a smooth linear sensation, then the Lunar Probe may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy sound profile, then the Mamba switch might be more to your liking. Consider factors such as sound and feel preferences to make the best decision for your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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