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Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Outemu Gold

An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch to the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is evident that each offers unique benefits for different preferences. The Lunar Probe is celebrated for its stable and consistent keypresses thanks to Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism. This switch provides an exceptionally smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, accompanied by a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch does not have a specific standout feature mentioned but is known for its clicky typing experience. While the Lunar Probe offers a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Outemu Gold provides a satisfying click with each keypress. 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

1.80 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

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

The Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Gold both use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both switches offer a visually appealing and acoustically pleasing experience due to their polycarbonate top housing.

In terms of the bottom housing material, the Lunar Probe utilizes nylon while the Gold also employs nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with stiffer bottom housing materials. Both switches provide a unique typing experience with their nylon bottom housing which significantly impacts the sound and feel of typing on these switches.

Overall, the different housing materials used in the Gateron Lunar Probe and Outemu Gold switches provide distinct characteristics to each switch. While the top housing in both switches shares the benefits of using polycarbonate, the differences in bottom housing material result in unique typing experiences. The Lunar Probe with its nylon bottom housing gives a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gold offers a similar typing experience with its nylon bottom housing. Each switch offers a different combination of materials that cater to individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Lunar Probe is lighter at 50 grams, while the Gold switch has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Lunar Probe requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch provides a more substantial typing feel due to its higher bottom out force, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences in weight and tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Gold clicky switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Lunar Probe offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers for fast-paced actions. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch provides a more pronounced keystroke feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more deliberate key press. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, catering to different preferences amongst users.

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 Gold 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

In comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the Lunar Probe is known for providing a subtle sound signature due to its smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is unknown, but clicky switches typically offer a more audible and tactile typing experience. When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Lunar Probe is praised for its stable and consistent keypresses with the dual rail mechanism, providing a smooth and linear typing experience. The feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is also unknown, but clicky switches are typically associated with a pronounced tactile bump and audible click during key presses.

Considering all available information, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Outemu Gold clicky switch might be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing on a mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is the way to go. With its innovative dual rail mechanism and pre-lubed feel, you can enjoy a satisfying typing experience without the need for additional modifications. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force and a satisfying sound profile, the Outemu Gold clicky switch may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound, so consider your preferences carefully before making a choice between these two switch options.

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