Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Lunar Probe is renowned for its innovative dual rail mechanism that ensures reliability and uniform keypresses. With a buttery smooth, pre-lubed linear feel and a subtle sound profile, the Lunar Probe is a popular choice for those seeking a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze clicky switch from Outemu offers a tactile feedback and audible click with each keypress, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sensation. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze, it is evident that both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. However, the top housing of the Lunar Probe is made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze's top housing is also made of nylon, which results in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, despite both switches having nylon bottom housings, the difference in top housing materials significantly impacts the overall sound profile of each switch.
Additionally, the choice of housing materials in the Lunar Probe and the Spring Breeze not only affects the sound profile but also plays a role in the aesthetics of the switches. The Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the housing. In contrast, the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing is not translucent, giving the switch a more opaque appearance. This shows how the material of the housing can impact not only the sound but also the visual appeal of the switches.
Moreover, the difference in stiffness between polycarbonate and nylon as housing materials results in a tactile difference when pressing down on the switches. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Lunar Probe may provide a more tactile feel when letting go of a key, whereas the softer nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze may offer a smoother release. This showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience beyond just sound and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we can see that both switches have relatively light actuation forces. The Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Spring Breeze's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lunar Probe requires 50 grams while the Spring Breeze needs 55 grams, making the Spring Breeze slightly heavier in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lunar Probe, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might prefer the Spring Breeze. Overall, both switches offer a smooth typing experience with manageable forces, catering to different preferences for typing feel and key press weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gateron Lunar Probe has a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze. The shorter travel distance of the Lunar Probe may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as the shorter distance allows for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes, which can be preferred by some users for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Spring Breeze 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 offers a quieter typing experience compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch. The Lunar Probe's subtle sound signature is gentle on the ears, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze clicky switch produces a satisfying click sound with each keypress, providing a more audible and tactile typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch boasts an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, offering a consistent and stable typing experience. The dual rail mechanism of the Lunar Probe ensures that each keypress is smooth and precise, providing a satisfying typing feel. In comparison, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's tactile feedback and clicky sound add to the overall typing experience, offering a more pronounced tactile feel with each keypress.
Overall, choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with smooth and consistent keypresses, the Lunar Probe switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more audible and tactile typing experience with satisfying clicky feedback, the Spring Breeze switch may be more up your alley. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so be sure to test them out to determine which one suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch or the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a smooth, pre-lubricated linear feel with a subtle sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a clicky sound with each keypress, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch would be the better option. Consider your typing style, noise tolerance, and overall typing experience when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the perfect switch for you will be the one that enhances your typing experience and aligns with your preferences.
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