Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe, a linear switch, and the Gateron Oil King, also a linear switch, offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Lunar Probe is renowned for its stable and consistent keypresses due to Gateron's dual rail mechanism, providing a smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and dark chocolate-like sound profile. While the Lunar Probe offers stability and smooth keypresses, the Oil King provides a creamy and polished 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
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of a switch is particularly beneficial for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King has a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. While both materials have their unique qualities, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon ultimately depends on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Oil King utilize nylon for this component. This material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The split design of having different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switch allows for a balance in sound and feel when typing. On the other hand, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a unique sound profile that is characterized as pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp. This blend results in a satisfying clacky sound that adds to the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Oil King will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel. While the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, the Oil King's nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which offer a consistent deep sound profile. The Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing introduces a unique sound that is described as clacky, providing a different typing experience compared to traditional nylon. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches offer high-quality components that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is clear that the Lunar Probe is lighter in both respects. The Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Oil King has an actuation of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Oil King for its higher force requirements. Ultimately, those who prefer lighter forces will find the Lunar Probe more suitable, while those who prefer a heavier feel will opt for the Oil King. Both switches provide different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Oil King switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lunar Probe switch. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Oil King being on the longer side and the Lunar Probe being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key press feel and responsiveness.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 offers a subtle and smooth sound signature, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as low-pitched and bassy, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. Depending on personal preference, the Lunar Probe may be more suitable for those who prefer a quieter sound, while the Oil King may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and more pronounced typing noise.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is known for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, offering a consistent and stable typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is renowned for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation akin to gliding fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches offer a high level of smoothness, but the Oil King may provide a slightly more luxurious and refined typing experience due to its buttery and polished feel.
Overall, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Oil King linear switches offer exceptional smoothness in their keypresses, with the Lunar Probe focusing more on a subtle sound profile and stable keypresses, and the Oil King providing a deeper and richer sound with a creamy and polished typing feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience with consistent and stable keypresses. If you enjoy smooth linear switches, you can expect similar results in terms of feel and sound from both the Lunar Probe and Oil King switches, with the choice ultimately coming down to individual preference.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a light and stable switch with a smooth linear feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch would be an excellent choice for you. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and enjoy a buttery smooth typing experience with a rich sound profile, the Gateron Oil King switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and preference for actuation force when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to prioritize what aspects are most important to you in a switch before making your decision.
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