Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Everglide Rice Pudding

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct characteristics of different options, such as the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The Lunar Probe is celebrated for its innovative dual rail mechanism, which ensures stable and consistent keypresses, complemented by an exceptionally smooth, pre-lubed linear feel and a subtle sound signature. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience without distractions. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches stand out with their unique hall effect design, delivering a satisfying blend of smooth operation and deep acoustic tones, resulting in a well-rounded typing experience that balances precision with tactile enjoyment. Additionally, the compatibility of Rice Pudding switches with Wooting's innovative keyboards offers an added layer of performance and versatility for enthusiasts. Each switch presents its own strengths, catering to diverse preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Lunar Probe and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches share a similarity in their top housing, both of which are crafted from polycarbonate. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances the overall auditory experience when typing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, which can be particularly noticeable with the addition of RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. As a result, users can expect a bright and vibrant visual appeal when the switches are illuminated, making both switches suitable for gamers and typists who appreciate aesthetic as well as acoustic performance.

In contrast, while both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, their sound profiles diverge noticeably. Nylon is known for its softer composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic creates a softer bottom-out sound that is more round and muted compared to the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. Consequently, when a user engages with either switch, they will experience a unique auditory pleasure stemming from the combination of materials: the polycarbonate top offers a bright resonance during the release of the key, while the nylon bottom provides a satisfying thud as the key bottoms out.

Ultimately, the interplay between the differing top and bottom housing materials of the Lunar Probe and Rice Pudding switches produces a well-rounded typing experience. Each switch harnesses the clarity and resonance of polycarbonate on top, coupled with the dampening qualities of nylon below. Users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback, albeit with a nuanced variation. The combination of a crisp upper sound profile and a fuller lower response ensures that both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Everglide Rice Pudding will satisfy enthusiasts seeking a multifaceted auditory experience from their mechanical keyboards.

Weight

The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both offer light typing experiences, but they differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lunar Probe features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Rice Pudding is the lighter option overall, facilitating easier keystrokes that can be ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe, with its higher forces, provides a bit more resistance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, while both switches are light, the Rice Pudding offers a gentler touch, catering to those who prioritize ease of use, whereas the Lunar Probe delivers a slightly firmer experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Lunar Probe measures 3.6 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that for users seeking a more responsive typing experience, the Rice Pudding may be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more robust feel may gravitate towards the Lunar Probe, which provides that extra 0.1 mm of depth. Although both switches offer relatively shallow travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Lunar Probe gives a slightly more pronounced feedback upon actuation. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preferences for responsiveness versus depth in key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch features a subtle sound signature, ideal for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience without disrupting their environment. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch delivers a deep, resonant sound that many find satisfying, adding a layer of auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, while the Lunar Probe leans towards discretion, the Rice Pudding offers a more pronounced acoustic presence, catering to different preferences. It’s worth noting that the overall sound is also influenced by the choice of keyboard, materials, and keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe is celebrated for its incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation. This smoothness is attributed to Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism, which ensures stable and consistent keypresses that many users find pleasurable. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch also aims for smooth operation, although it’s characterized by a satisfying balance and precision. This makes it suitable for users who appreciate not just smoothness but also a tactile engagement with their typing, which adds to the overall experience. Both switches prioritize a pleasant feel, yet they approach it with slightly different nuances that may appeal to distinct user preferences.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Everglide Rice Pudding switches present compelling options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, each with its own unique attributes. The Lunar Probe excels in providing a quiet yet smooth typing experience, while the Rice Pudding offers a deeper sound profile paired with precision and satisfaction in feel. Choosing between them largely depends on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. Regardless of the choice, both switches ensure an enjoyable typing experience while showcasing the diverse offerings within the mechanical switch market.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you are looking for an incredibly smooth and consistent keypress experience with a subtle sound profile, the Lunar Probe could be your go-to option. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it ideal for those who enjoy rapid typing or gaming, where quick responses are essential. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding is a fantastic alternative if you desire a balanced typing experience, characterized by a satisfying deep sound that resonates with each keystroke. With a similarly light bottom-out force of 48 grams, these switches excel if you appreciate versatility, especially if you also plan to use Wooting’s advanced keyboards. In essence, if smoothness and quiet performance are your priority, opt for the Lunar Probe; however, if you value a rich sound and compatibility for performance configurations, the Rice Pudding is the way to go.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more