Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Lunar Probe is praised for its stable and consistent keypresses thanks to Gateron's dual rail mechanism, providing a smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro boasts a snappy sound signature with a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke due to its long pole design, while still maintaining smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience. While the Lunar Probe is known for its stability and smoothness, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its auditory charm and crisp quality. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer different sound profiles due to their unique properties. The Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The difference in stiffness between polycarbonate and nylon leads to these contrasting sound profiles, with polycarbonate being more resonant and nylon absorbing more sound to create a duller tone. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their top housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Lunar Probe and the V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a consistent typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches highlights the importance of material selection in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience of mechanical keyboards.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko V3 Piano Pro differ in terms of sound characteristics, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a commonality in the typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Lunar Probe and nylon in both top and bottom housings of the V3 Piano Pro showcases the impact that housing materials have on the sound and feel of mechanical switches. Whether it be a sharper, higher-pitched sound from polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound from nylon, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we see that both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Lunar Probe is 50 grams, making it slightly lighter than the V3 Piano Pro, which has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This difference may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Lunar Probe and a bit more substantial feel with the V3 Piano Pro. Despite the slight variation in bottom out force, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force with both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Lunar Probe has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to everyone, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Lunar Probe more satisfying. On the other hand, those who value a slightly quicker response may lean towards the Akko V3 Piano Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press 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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro 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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, the Lunar Probe is known for its subtle and smooth sound signature, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a snappy and lively sound experience. The Lunar Probe provides a more understated auditory feedback, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, whereas the V3 Piano Pro delivers a more pronounced and vibrant sound with each keystroke, adding to the overall typing excitement and engagement.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lunar Probe is recognized for its smooth and consistent actuation, thanks to Gateron's dual rail mechanism that ensures stability in keypresses. As for the V3 Piano Pro, it offers a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, providing a spring-like feedback along with a silky smooth key travel. The V3 Piano Pro's design with a long pole contributes to a polished and refined typing experience, making each keystroke feel effortlessly gliding and refined.
Overall, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer unique qualities in both sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Lunar Probe may be the ideal choice for you, while the V3 Piano Pro is perfect for those who enjoy a more energetic and lively typing feel with a snappier sound profile. Both switches guarantee a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that no matter which one you choose, you'll receive high-quality performance and consistent keypresses for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light linear switch with stable and consistent keypresses, the Gateron Lunar Probe may be the best option for you. The Lunar Probe offers a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation that is complemented by a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch with a snappy sound profile, the Akko V3 Piano Pro could be more to your liking. The Piano Pro switches provide a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke while maintaining a smooth actuation. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will come down to your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel.
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