Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offer distinctive typing experiences. The Lunar Probe is a linear switch known for its smooth, pre-lubed keypresses and subtle sound signature thanks to Gateron's dual rail mechanism. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is a tactile switch that stands out with its sharp tactile feel and unique blend of PBT housing. The Moyu Blacks feature a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. While the Lunar Probe excels in stability and consistency, the Moyu Black delivers a premium and impactful typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), one can observe stark differences in the materials used. The Lunar Probe utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT top housing that offers a more neutral sound profile that is neither too crisp nor too dull. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Lunar Probe is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a more understated aesthetic.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Lunar Probe incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) also utilizes a PBT bottom housing, offering a similar neutral sound profile as its PBT top housing counterpart. Both switches maintain a balance between sound profile and feel with their bottom housing materials, influencing the sound and feel of bottoming out keys.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience of each switch. While the Lunar Probe showcases a combination of polycarbonate and nylon for a sharper top and fuller bottom sound, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) opts for a more neutral sound profile with its PBT top and bottom housings. Despite their differences, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to a variety of preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the Lunar Probe is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a medium-heavy feel. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the Lunar Probe being lighter and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) being heavier overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to individual preference for typing style and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lunar Probe offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Moyu Black, making it ideal for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Moyu Black provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a deeper key press sensation. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, offering a balance between responsiveness and key press depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offer contrasting experiences. The Lunar Probe provides a subtle sound signature with a smooth and pre-lubed linear feel, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a resonant and sharp sound profile due to its unique blend of materials and strong tactile bump. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors like keyboard construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Lunar Probe linear switch offers a stable and consistent keypress with a smooth linear sensation, although specific details about its tactile feedback are unknown. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch provides a distinctive typing experience with a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch is described as having an accentuated and sharp tactile feedback, making it stand out for those who appreciate a medium to heavy tactile experience without being overly intense.
Overall, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offer unique and distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Lunar Probe provides a smooth and consistent linear feel with a subtle sound, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a sharp and resonant typing experience with strong tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile response, both switches offer quality options for enthusiasts looking to customize their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value smooth, consistent keypresses with a light bottom out force and a subtle sound profile, the Lunar Probe may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a sharp and impactful tactile feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, along with a resonant and accented typing sound, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy a personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
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