Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Cream Yellow. The Gateron Lunar Probe is a linear switch that boasts Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring stability and consistency with every keypress. These switches offer an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, perfect for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying tactile feedback with each press. While the Cream Yellow may not have a standout feature like the dual rail mechanism of the Lunar Probe, it offers a different typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of feedback while typing. 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a more clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in material give each switch a unique auditory and tactile feedback, catering to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lunar Probe and the Cream Yellow switches feature nylon material. This choice of material gives a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on the switches, as nylon's softer nature absorbs sound effectively, creating a rounder and more muted typing experience. Despite having different top housings, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches showcases how material choices can affect the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch, even when other components vary between them.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the Gateron Lunar Probe's top housing and nylon in the bottom housing creates a unique balance of sharpness and depth in sound profile, reflecting the different characteristics of each material. Conversely, the Outemu Cream Yellow's consistent use of nylon in both top and bottom housings offers a more consistent typing experience with a focus on deeper and fuller sound feedback. Whether you prefer a sharper, more resonant sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches provide distinct options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific typing experience based on housing material composition.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Lunar Probe has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Cream Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Lunar Probe will provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow will offer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a similar actuation force, so if you are looking for consistent feedback while typing, you can expect similar results from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Lunar Probe. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. Choosing between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker key presses, the Cream Yellow would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a bit more depth and a less abrupt feel, the Lunar Probe with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so you can expect similar results from either choice.
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 Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10 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 is often praised for its quiet and subtle sound signature, making it ideal for those looking for a more discrete typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound profile is not well-documented, but based on its tactile nature, it may produce a slightly more audible sound compared to a linear switch. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is highly regarded for its smooth and consistent keypresses, thanks to Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism. Users often find typing on these switches to be effortless and satisfying. Similarly, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is known for its tactility, providing a pronounced bump at the actuation point for a tactile typing experience. Both switches offer a unique feel that caters to different preferences, whether you prefer the smoothness of a linear switch or the tactile feedback of a tactile switch.
Overall, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lunar Probe excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Cream Yellow offers tactile feedback for those who enjoy a more tactile typing sensation. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both, both of these switches can cater to your preferences, providing a satisfying typing experience based on your personal preferences. Ultimately, it is important to try out different switches to determine which one suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, you'll want to choose the Lunar Probe if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a smooth, pre-lubed linear feel with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow may be more suitable if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and enjoy a tactile feedback with no sound description provided. Consider your preferred typing experience, whether it be a light and smooth linear feel or a medium tactile feedback, when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Lunar Probe and Cream Yellow will come down to personal preference and what typing experience you value most.
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