Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron New North Pole V2, both of which are linear switches. The Lunar Probe is known for its novel dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses, providing an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 offers a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, while still maintaining the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup: a frictionless typing feel. Each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, the best switch for you depends on your personal typing style and preferences. 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
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron New North Pole V2, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The aesthetic benefit of polycarbonate's translucency is also highlighted, especially for users looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. However, where the switches differ is in the bottom housing material. The Lunar Probe features a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout.
While both the Lunar Probe and the New North Pole V2 benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the contrasting materials used for the bottom housings provide a unique typing experience for each switch. The Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing offers a softer and more muted typing feel, resulting in a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out each key. In contrast, the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and resonant sound profile associated with polycarbonate, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of both sound and feel. This difference in bottom housing material showcases how manufacturing variations can influence the overall user experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron New North Pole V2 may come down to personal preference in sound and feel. The split between nylon and polycarbonate bottom housings in the Lunar Probe and New North Pole V2, respectively, demonstrates how the qualities of each housing material impact the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile with the Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing or the sharp and crisper sound profile of the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. With attention to detail in housing materials, Gateron continues to provide mechanical keyboard enthusiasts with options that suit their individual tastes and needs.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we can see that the Lunar Probe has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's 50 grams. Additionally, the Lunar Probe has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's heavier 62.5 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Lunar Probe make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming for extended periods. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Lunar Probe offers a lighter typing feel, while the New North Pole V2 provides a medium level of force for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch. The Lunar Probe offers a quicker and more responsive feel, making it popular among gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 provides a slightly deeper keypress, which some users may find more comfortable for typing longer documents or emails. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for travel distance and 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 Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 Lunar Probe switch is known for its subtle sound signature, while the New North Pole V2 switch's sound characteristics are unknown. Both switches may provide a relatively quiet typing experience, but the overall sound will also be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Lunar Probe switch offers an incredibly smooth linear sensation, whereas the New North Pole V2 switch is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless. The polished finish of the New North Pole V2 switch provides a sleek and refined typing experience, while the creamy sensation offers a smooth and buttery feel. The frictionless attribute ensures effortless key travel, minimizing any friction or resistance during typing.
Overall, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch provides a stable and consistent keypress experience with its dual rail mechanism and smooth linear sensation. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, while maintaining the hallmark frictionless feel of the North Pole lineup. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either option. If you prefer a more stable and consistent keypress experience with a subtle sound signature, the Lunar Probe may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a crisper typing feel with a polished, creamy, and frictionless finish, the New North Pole V2 could be the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, consider the key differences in bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Lunar Probe may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams for a slightly firmer typing experience, the New North Pole V2 may be more suitable. Additionally, consider the typing feel you desire, as the Lunar Probe offers a smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, while the New North Pole V2 provides a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for keypress feel, sound, and bottom out force.
Mentioned in this article
