Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer unique experiences for users. The Gateron Lunar Probe is a linear switch that provides an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed typing sensation, along with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its factory-lubed and unique translucent jade yellow housing. While the Lunar Probe guarantees stable and consistent keypresses, the Silent Yellow Jade stands out with its punchy tactile bump. 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
50g
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
3.30 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, one notable difference lies in their top housing composition. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic construction. Despite these differences, both materials are effective in enhancing the overall typing experience and can be complemented by RGB lighting due to their translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches share a common nylon material choice. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, making the choice of nylon a crucial factor in determining the overall typing experience for both the Lunar Probe and Silent Yellow Jade switches.
In summary, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade contribute to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the typing experience by absorbing more sound and creating a duller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall feel and sound of each switch, highlighting the importance of material selection in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that there is a difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lunar Probe has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Lunar Probe provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended use. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, which may be preferable for those seeking a more tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Silent Yellow Jade has the shorter travel distance, making it slightly more responsive compared to the Lunar Probe. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Silent Yellow Jade for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper press. Both switches offer slightly varying travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for keypress depth 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 Outemu Silent Yellow Jade 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 and quiet sound signature, making it a great option for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a satisfying "thocky" sound, adding a unique auditory element to your typing sessions. Both switches provide a different sound profile, and the choice between them ultimately depends on your personal preference and the overall sound profile you're aiming for in your keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is praised for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, offering a consistent and stable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch features a punchy tactile bump, providing tactile feedback with each keypress. The Lunar Probe focuses on smoothness, while the Silent Yellow Jade prioritizes a tactile response, catering to different typing preferences. The decision between them comes down to whether you prefer a smoother or more tactile typing experience.
Overall, both the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Lunar Probe excels in providing a smooth and stable linear typing experience with a subtle sound profile, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. Depending on whether you prioritize smoothness or tactility in your typing feel, you can choose between these switches to enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are excellent options that will provide a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the bottom out force that best suits your typing preference. If you prefer a lighter touch with stable and consistent keypresses, the Lunar Probe with its 50-gram bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy keypress with a satisfying tactile bump and a quiet typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade with its 65-gram bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferred typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
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