Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and Gateron Mars both stand out as exceptional linear options, each offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lunar Probe is celebrated for its innovative dual rail mechanism, which ensures stable and consistent keypresses, alongside a silky-smooth feel and a subtle sound profile that enhances the typing experience without being intrusive. On the other hand, the Mars switch introduces a distinctive design that features a POK stem combined with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, aiming for durability and a unique tactile experience. Those who prefer a refined, polished stroke may lean toward the Lunar Probe, while enthusiasts seeking robustness and potential performance advantages might gravitate towards the Mars. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Mars, it becomes clear that the two switches utilize distinct top housing materials, each contributing significantly to their sound profiles. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This allows for a sharper and crisper sound signature, enhancing the overall auditory experience, particularly if RGB lighting is used. In contrast, the Gateron Mars uses a nylon top housing that creates a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the material's softer properties. Consequently, while both switches offer unique audio experiences, the Lunar Probe emphasizes brightness and clarity, whereas the Mars focuses on depth and richness.
The bottom housing of these switches provides additional contrasts worth noting. Both the Lunar Probe and the Mars incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, which helps to achieve a muted and rounded sound profile. However, the Mars opts for a POM material, often associated with a smooth, pleasing sound. POM materials also tend to create a more distinct sound compared to nylon, which can yield a slight difference in vibration dampening and resonance. As such, the combination of a nylon bottom housing in the Lunar Probe and a POM bottom housing in the Mars showcases how the switches' auditory characteristics can differ significantly based on the bottom housing's material properties.
Together, these differences and similarities highlight how the interplay of housing materials affects sound and feel in keyboard switches. For example, while the Gateron Lunar Probe's overall sound emphasizes sharpness due to its polycarbonate top, the tactile and auditory experience is tempered in its foundational feel by the nylon bottom. Meanwhile, the Gateron Mars's sound characteristics are informed by a combination of nylon for depth in the base and POM for a pleasing, mellow tone. Thus, while both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, users might still find that some qualities overlap, particularly due to the shared use of nylon on the bottom. Ultimately, the materials used contribute distinctively to how the switches resonate when in use, reflecting a deep consideration for both sound engineering and tactile response.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe and Gateron Mars linear switches, both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, ensuring users will experience a similar level of responsiveness in their typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force differs significantly between the two. The Lunar Probe has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating it provides a slight resistance when completely pressed down, contributing to a more substantial feel during use. In contrast, the Mars switch has an unknown bottom out force, leaving its overall tactile experience ambiguous for potential users. Given that both switches have the same actuation force, they are equally suited for those who prefer lighter key presses for prolonged typing, yet the Lunar Probe, with its additional defined bottom out force, may appeal to users desiring that heavier, grounded sensation. Consequently, for those who cherish a balanced typing experience with a defined feedback upon bottoming out, the Lunar Probe switch presents the more favorable option.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Gateron Mars linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equivalent in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This identical travel distance means that users can expect a similar feel and performance from both switches, providing a consistent typing experience. Since the travel distances are equal, there is no shorter or longer switch between the two, allowing enthusiasts and typists to choose either option without concern for differences in key travel.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 considering the sound profile of the Gateron Lunar Probe switch, it stands out for its subdued sound signature, producing a dampened yet not completely silent output during key presses. This characteristic allows for a more understated typing experience, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise may be a concern. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Mars switch remains unknown; however, it’s essential to recognize that sound is influenced by factors like the keyboard construction and keycap choice, which can alter the acoustic experience significantly for either switch.
In terms of tactile feel, the Lunar Probe excels with its exceptionally silky, polished, and mild characteristics. These descriptors imply a notably smooth typing experience with reduced friction and gentle resistance, making it appealing for prolonged typing sessions. The switch is engineered for a refined experience, ensuring that every keypress feels effortless and comfortable. The Mars switch, however, lacks specific feel descriptions in the provided information, leaving a gap in comparison. Regardless, one can anticipate that the design features—like the blend of Nylon and POM—might confer unique tactile sensations, although the extent of this remains to be seen.
In summary, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offers a subdued sound and an incredibly smooth, polished feel with mild resistance, making it suitable for both silent typing environments and extended use. While the Gateron Mars switch presents an innovative design, its sound and feel characteristics are not detailed, creating uncertainty around its performance in those areas. Ultimately, both switches reflect Gateron's commitment to quality, but if one prioritizes sound and feel, the Lunar Probe sets a clear standard, while the Mars may offer intriguing but unspecified qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Mars linear switches, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and the context in which you’ll be using them. The Gateron Lunar Probe switch is ideal for those who favor a lighter touch while typing, as its 50-gram bottom-out force ensures a comfortable and less tiring experience over extended periods. Its silky, polished feel, combined with a subdued sound profile, makes it an excellent choice for quiet environments such as offices or shared spaces, where you want to minimize noise without sacrificing smoothness. On the other hand, if you’re intrigued by innovative designs and materials, the Gateron Mars switch may be the way to go. Although the exact bottom-out force is unknown, its unique POK stem and durable nylon-POM housing could provide a distinctive typing experience that may enhance your keyboard's responsiveness and longevity. If you're seeking a switch that may offer a different tactile feedback or you're eager to experiment with cutting-edge technology, opting for the Gateron Mars could be beneficial. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, quiet operation with the Lunar Probe or the innovative design potential of the Mars.
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