Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe, a linear switch, and the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lunar Probe is renowned for its stable and consistent keypresses thanks to Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism. This switch provides an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, creating a satisfying typing experience with a jelly-like sound profile. While the Lunar Probe excels in providing a smooth linear feel, the Durock Medium Tactile offers a tactile feedback that some users may prefer. 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
65g
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Lunar Probe and the Durock Medium Tactile both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which helps in producing a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in terms of design and aesthetics.
On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Durock Medium Tactile have contrasting nylon bottom housings. Nylon is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This leads to a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches utilizing nylon as the bottom housing material. Despite having this difference in bottom housing material, the switches may still offer a similar typing experience due to the split impact of qualities between the top and bottom of the switch.
Regardless of the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Durock Medium Tactile, both switches are designed to offer a unique typing experience. The top housing material, whether it be polycarbonate for a crisper sound or nylon for a deeper tone, contributes to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. Understanding how these materials interact with each other and the key press can help users choose a switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Lunar Probe has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Medium Tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Lunar Probe will provide a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Medium Tactile switch. The actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is not provided, so it is unclear how it compares in this aspect. Those who prefer a softer touch may lean towards the Lunar Probe, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Durock Medium Tactile switch. In terms of weight, the Lunar Probe is lighter overall, making it a suitable option for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Conversely, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a heavier push feel, catering to individuals who prefer a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the Lunar Probe has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Lunar Probe is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Medium Tactile may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distance, with the shorter Lunar Probe providing quick actuation and the longer Medium Tactile offering a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 linear switch is known for its subtle sound signature, whereas the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience that can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lunar Probe linear switch is praised for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, providing a consistent keypress experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is well-loved for its balanced tactility, offering a prominent but not overwhelming tactile feedback. It falls into the category of an accented, stepped, mild, and polished tactile switch, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lunar Probe provides a smooth linear feel with a subtle sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile offers a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Regardless of your choice, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature, the Gateron Lunar Probe may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
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