Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both offer unique features and characteristics worth considering. The Lunar Probe stands out for its dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses, delivering an exceptionally smooth and pre-lubed linear typing experience with a subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is praised for its affordability and smooth keystrokes, offering a buttery smooth sensation and a satisfying low-pitched "thock" sound. While both switches provide a linear typing experience, they differ in their sound profiles and overall feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), it is evident that while both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, they differ in their top housing material. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lunar Probe creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a softer and more absorbing typing feel.
Additionally, both switches share similarities in their bottom housing material, as they both use nylon. This results in a consistent deep and full sound profile when typing on either the Lunar Probe or the Milky Red Pro (KS-3). Nylon's properties as a softer plastic that absorbs sound contribute to a duller and rounder typing experience, making it an ideal choice for the bottom housing of switches. While they may differ in their top housing material, the similar bottom housing of these switches ensures that users will experience a consistent sound profile.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials impact the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the characteristics of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing in the Lunar Probe and Milky Red Pro (KS-3) respectively provides users with a balanced typing experience that caters to different sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Lunar Probe has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Milky Red Pro has a slightly higher bottom out force of 52 grams. This makes the Lunar Probe the lighter option between the two, which could appeal to users looking for a smoother typing experience for extended periods of time. The Milky Red Pro, on the other hand, offers a slightly heavier typing feel, which may be preferred by users who desire a more substantial keystroke sensation. Overall, while both switches offer a similar actuation force, the slight difference in bottom out force may result in a preference for one over the other based on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the Lunar Probe has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lunar Probe's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quick response times, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) with its longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with those seeking responsiveness opting for the Lunar Probe and those desiring depth favoring the Milky Red Pro (KS-3).
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is known for its smooth and subtle sound signature, providing a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile with a low-pitched "thock" sound that is more noticeable. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches are best described as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched, creating a satisfying auditory feedback during key presses. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch offers an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses. The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch, on the other hand, is described as providing a buttery smooth keystroke experience, with a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches promise a smooth typing experience, but the Lunar Probe switch emphasizes stability and consistency, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch focuses on a buttery smooth feel.
Overall, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch each offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lunar Probe switch provides a smooth and subtle typing experience with a stable keypress, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile with a buttery smooth feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can achieve similar results in terms of smoothness with either switch, but the Lunar Probe may be preferred for those seeking stability, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) may be chosen for its satisfying thocky sound and buttery feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value stable and consistent keypresses with a subtle sound, the Lunar Probe is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force, a smooth typing experience with a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what features you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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