Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to personal typing style and desired feedback. The Gateron Lunar Probe switches, with their innovative dual rail mechanism, deliver a remarkably smooth and consistent linear feel, perfect for those who prioritize fluid keypresses without tactile interruption. Additionally, their pre-lubed design offers a satisfying typing experience while maintaining a subtle sound signature, making them a suitable choice for quiet environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches cater to enthusiasts seeking a tactile sensation, featuring a refined medium-strength bump that provides gratifying feedback with each keystroke. Developed in collaboration with keyboard expert Glarses, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and tactile pleasure, appealing to both gamers and typists who appreciate a bit of resistance. Each switch has its unique allure, but the ultimate choice depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. 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
N/A
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
The Gateron Lunar Probe and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which contributes to their overall sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the keys are activated. This material enhances the clarity of the sound profile, making it particularly effective when paired with RGB lighting due to its ability to allow light to pass through. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB employs a nylon top housing, a classic and softer plastic that absorbs sound more than harder materials like polycarbonate. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, evidencing a contrast in auditory experiences between the two switches when pressed.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches utilize nylon, which creates a more similar sound profile between them in that regard. The nylon bottom housings in both switches contribute to a duller and rounder sound due to their softer composition. When one types on these switches, the qualities of the nylon material are noticeable in the texture and sound experienced at the bottom-out point. Since both switches share this nylon bottom housing material, users can expect a comparable tactile feel and auditory experience when the switch bottoms out, regardless of the differences in their corresponding top housings.
Ultimately, the unique combination of materials in each switch shapes the overall typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Lunar Probe creates a clear and resonant sound on release, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a fuller and warmer sound on activation. Each switch brings its character to the overall sound and feel; thus, even though the bottom housings are the same, it is the interplay of the top and bottom materials that defines their individual profiles. Users can achieve distinct auditory experiences depending on which switch they choose, highlighting the nuanced impact that housing materials have on mechanical keyboard performance.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch both share an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke, which is advantageous for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, they differ in their bottom out force; the Lunar Probe has a bottom out force of 50 grams, allowing for a slightly firmer feel when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unavailable, leaving an ambiguous comparison in that regard. As a result, while both switches offer a similar initial actuation experience, the Gateron Lunar Probe provides a clearer resistance at the bottom out point, appealing to users who might prefer a more substantial feedback upon full depression. Consequently, those in search of a lighter switch with a defined bottom out should lean towards the Gateron, while the Cherry MX remains an uncertain option.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lunar Probe is the shorter of the two, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers who prefer quicker actuation. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB, with its longer travel distance, provides a more traditional and hearty typing experience that some users find more satisfying. Therefore, those who value speed may lean toward the Lunar Probe, whereas individuals who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes might prefer the Cherry MX.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch produces a subtle sound signature that is quite pleasing to the ear, allowing for a more immersive typing experience. This switch is optimized for quietness, making it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a unique acoustic profile characterized by its tactile bump, which creates a pronounced sound at the actuation point. This auditory feedback can be satisfying for users who enjoy the audible confirmation of their key presses, but it may also add a bit more noise compared to the Lunar Probe.
When it comes to feel, the Lunar Probe provides an incredibly smooth and consistent keystroke thanks to Gateron's advanced dual rail mechanism, ensuring a linear experience that many users find exceptionally enjoyable. The pre-lubed nature of the switch enhances this smoothness, making it a favorite among those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is tactile, featuring a short but noticeable bump that offers physical feedback at the actuation point. This tactile response can lead to a more engaging typing experience for users who appreciate being able to feel when a key has been pressed.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. While the Lunar Probe emphasizes a quiet, smooth linear typing experience with subtle sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a tactile bump and a more pronounced sound profile. Depending on your personal typing preferences and the acoustic environment you find yourself in, either switch can deliver an enjoyable keyboard experience, though their characteristics distinctly cater to varied needs and styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a smooth, linear experience that offers consistent and stable keypresses, the Lunar Probe is an excellent choice, especially if you prefer lighter actuation forces and a quieter sound profile. This switch is ideal for both gaming and typing, particularly for those who enjoy the sensation of uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile bump that enhances your typing experience and provides feedback with each press, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is more suited for you. This switch's medium-strength tactile feedback can help reduce typing errors and improve your overall engagement with the keyboard, making it a great option for those who do a lot of typing or simply enjoy the tactile feeling. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style and whether you value smoothness or tactile feedback in your keyboard experience.
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