Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko Penguin offer distinct experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Lunar Probe is a linear switch famous for its stable and consistent keypresses, thanks to Gateron's dual rail mechanism. The smooth, pre-lubed sensation of these switches, coupled with a subtle sound profile, makes them a sought-after choice for users who prioritize smoothness and precision. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that stands out for its silent operation, making it ideal for office environments. With a rounded tactile bump providing satisfying feedback and a medium weight for balanced responsiveness, the Penguin switches cater to users seeking a quiet yet tactile typing experience. While the Lunar Probe excels in stability and smoothness, the Penguin shines in silent tactile feedback and balance between responsiveness and ease of use. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko Penguin differ in terms of the top housing material used. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Penguin utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing is more likely to be used in switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Penguin's nylon top housing offers a classic feel with its distinctive sound.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Despite the differences in top housing material, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches provides a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users can enjoy a familiar tactile response and sound quality regardless of the differences in the top housing material.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko Penguin offer users a choice between a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound profile with nylon. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing in the Lunar Probe creates a resonant sound, while the softer nylon top housing in the Penguin produces a rounder sound. Despite these differences, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Lunar Probe switch may appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Penguin tactile switch's heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to individual preferences, ensuring that users can choose the option that best suits their typing style and comfort level.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have an impact on how the switch feels when typing or gaming. Gamers looking for a faster response time might prefer the Akko Penguin tactile switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend 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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 subtle sound signature that is not overly loud, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as having a muted sound profile, perfect for environments where noise needs to be minimized, such as in an office setting. Both switches prioritize a quieter typing experience, ensuring that your keystrokes do not disturb those around you. Ultimately, whether you choose the Lunar Probe or the Penguin, you can expect to enjoy a more subdued typing sound compared to other mechanical switches.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is known for its smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, providing a consistent and stable keypress experience. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a rounded tactile bump that delivers satisfying feedback with each press. Additionally, the Penguin switch is described as polished, resulting in a smooth typing experience with reduced friction. While the Lunar Probe's feel is not explicitly described, it can be inferred that it also provides a smooth and consistent typing experience. Both switches aim to strike a balance between comfort and performance, ensuring that your typing sessions remain comfortable and efficient.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prioritize a subtle typing sound, both switches deliver a quieter experience compared to other mechanical switches. When it comes to feel, the Lunar Probe emphasizes stability and smoothness, while the Penguin focuses on providing a satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a linear or tactile typing experience, as both will offer a high-quality and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prioritize a light, smooth linear keypress with a subtle sound profile, the Lunar Probe may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a medium weight switch with a quiet tactile bump that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Akko Penguin switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences in terms of typing experience, sound, and overall feel. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing needs and preferences to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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