Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Lunar Probe, a linear switch, and the Outemu Green, a clicky switch. The Gateron Lunar Probe is praised for its novel dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses, offering an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch lacks a specific standout feature but is known for its clicky feedback. Depending on your preference, you may choose the Lunar Probe for its smooth typing experience or the Outemu Green for its satisfying clicky sound. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Green, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it an ideal option for those looking to customize their keyboard with vibrant lighting. However, despite these similarities, the specific design and construction of each switch may still result in slightly different sound and feel profiles.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Lunar Probe utilizes nylon while the Outemu Green also opts for nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, the overall typing experience may vary based on the specific design and build of each switch.
It's important to note that the qualities of each housing material in a switch are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Green may share similar materials for their housing components, the overall typing experience, sound profile, and feel of each switch will ultimately be influenced by the design and construction of the switches as a whole.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch differ significantly. The Lunar Probe has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Green's heavier actuation force of 65 grams. Similarly, the Lunar Probe has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Green has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Lunar Probe offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, suitable for users who enjoy a heavier typing experience. The different actuation and bottom out forces cater to individuals with varying preferences, allowing them to choose the switch that best suits their typing style and needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Green clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference of 0.4 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lunar Probe, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Outemu Green switch. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Lunar Probe providing a quicker keystroke and the Outemu Green delivering a more satisfying click. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Green 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 known for its subtle sound signature, providing a quieter typing experience compared to clicky switches like the Outemu Green. The Lunar Probe switch offers a smooth and quiet keypress, making it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch is known for its distinct click sound with each keypress, offering a satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is praised for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, providing a consistent and stable typing experience. The linear feel of the Lunar Probe switch allows for a seamless keystroke without any tactile bump or audible feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Green clicky switch is known for its tactile bump and audible click, offering a more pronounced tactile feedback with each keypress. The Green switch provides a satisfying and responsive typing experience for those who prefer a tactile response.
In conclusion, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lunar Probe provides a smooth and quiet typing experience with a linear feel, while the Outemu Green offers a tactile feedback with a distinct click sound. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Lunar Probe switch would be the ideal choice, while the Outemu Green switch is perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your individual preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, consider the factors that are important to you. The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is a great choice for those who prefer a light bottom out force of 50 grams and value stable and consistent keypresses with a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch with its heavier bottom out force of 80 grams is suitable for users who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and force required to actuate the keys. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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