Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer unique experiences for users. The Gateron Lunar Probe is a linear switch that stands out for its novel dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses. It boasts an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed sensation, perfect for those who prefer a linear switch with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch with its own set of advantages. While there is not as much information available about the Crystal Brown in comparison to the Lunar Probe, tactile switches are known for providing a tactile bump feedback when the key is actuated, making them ideal for typists who prefer a more pronounced sensation 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
55g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, making these switches visually appealing as well. While both switches have similar top housings, the impact of the material on the overall typing experience may vary slightly depending on the accompanying bottom housing material.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both the Lunar Probe and the Crystal Brown switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during typing. Despite the differences in top housing materials between the two switches, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housings provide a clear and resonant sound with a sharper pitch, the nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound profile with a rounder tone. The combination of these materials in each switch results in a unique typing experience, with the top and bottom housings each contributing to different aspects of the sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Lunar Probe has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Crystal Brown has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Lunar Probe provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown offers a slightly firmer feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Crystal Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the Lunar Probe. A shorter travel distance, such as that of the Lunar Probe, is often preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance, like that of the Crystal Brown, may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer deeper key presses. Both switches offer different tactile sensations due to their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Crystal Brown 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
Based on the information provided, Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches are known for their smooth and pre-lubed linear feel, resulting in consistent keypresses. The subtle sound signature of the Lunar Probe adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switches do not have specific information available on their feel and sound qualities. However, considering that tactile switches typically provide a tactile bump when typing, the Crystal Brown switches are likely to offer a tactile sensation with a moderate sound level. When comparing the two switches, individuals seeking a smooth and linear typing experience may prefer the Lunar Probe switches, while those looking for a tactile feedback may opt for the Crystal Brown switches. In general, Gateron switches are known for their high-quality construction and durability, so regardless of the choice between these two switches, users can expect reliable performance. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch will depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for a lighter or medium-light bottom out force. If you prefer a smoother, pre-lubed linear typing experience with stable and consistent keypresses, then the Lunar Probe may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Crystal Brown may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you desire.
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