Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that excel in feel and sound. The Gateron Lunar Probe switches stand out for their innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring a stable and consistent typing experience. Renowned for their pre-lubed linear action, these switches deliver an incredibly smooth keystroke with a subtle sound profile, making them a great choice for those seeking a quiet yet responsive feel. On the other hand, Akko's Rosewood switches offer a distinctly different experience with their rich, thocky auditory feedback right from the start, attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This makes them particularly appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing. Both switches cater to linear preferers, but they excel in different aspects: the Lunar Probe for smoothness and stability, and the Rosewood for its auditory satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko Rosewood, a distinct contrast emerges primarily in their top housing materials. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This characteristic lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for users who prefer a more resonant typing experience. This is particularly enhanced if RGB lighting is used, as the clear nature of polycarbonate allows the light to shine through vividly, thereby adding an aesthetic appeal to the typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood employs a nylon top housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder, more muted auditory feedback, making each keystroke feel more substantial but less sharp compared to that of the Lunar Probe.
Despite the differing top housing materials, both the Lunar Probe and the Akko Rosewood share a nylon bottom housing, which influences the overall sound and feel of the switches. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches creates a deeper, more cushioned auditory experience that is consistent across both models. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, users can expect a similarly rich bottom-out sound and feel when typing. The nylon material's sound-absorbing qualities soften the impact noise when the key is fully pressed down, giving keyboards with these switches a certain uniformity in typing experience at the lower end of the keystroke.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Lunar Probe and Akko Rosewood differ significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing creates a commonality in the typing experience. Those who favor a crisper and more resonant sound may gravitate toward the Lunar Probe, while those who prefer a deeper, more rounded sound might find the Akko Rosewood appealing. Regardless of preference, the nylon bottom housing ensures a rich typing experience, blending the qualities of both top and bottom materials into a cohesive whole. Therefore, while the sound profiles of the two switches may differ, the foundational impact of their nylon bottom housing results in an engaging and satisfying experience for users of both keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences. The Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Rosewood requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This makes the Rosewood switch the lighter option, offering a slightly easier keystroke that could benefit users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Both switches, however, share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that regardless of their actuation differences, users will experience the same overall resistance when pressing the key all the way down. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the heavier actuation force of the Lunar Probe may provide a preferred tactile feedback compared to the Akko Rosewood's lighter touch. Overall, while both switches are categorized as light, the Akko Rosewood offers a gentler actuation feel, while both will deliver the same bottom out resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we see a distinct difference in travel distance. The Lunar Probe has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Rosewood features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel for gaming or fast typing, the Lunar Probe might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. In contrast, the Rosewood's 4 mm travel offers a more pronounced depth, which some typists may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, your preference between these two switches will depend on whether you value quicker response times or a more substantial typing experience.
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 Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch delivers a subtle sound signature that contributes to a quieter typing experience, making it well-suited for environments where noise levels should be minimized. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch stands out with its deep, satisfying thocky sound that resonates with each keystroke, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback. This difference means that while both switches can create an enjoyable typing experience, the Lunar Probe is preferable for those seeking a more muted sound, while the Rosewood caters to users who appreciate a richer, more audible click.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe offers an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, thanks to its advanced dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses. This smoothness tends to enhance the overall typing experience by making it fluid and effortless. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood provides a different tactile experience that, while also linear, may feel slightly different due to its factory-applied lubrication. The depth of the keystrokes in the Rosewood can create a more pronounced sensation, enhancing the feeling of tactile feedback even though both switches fall under the linear category.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Akko Rosewood linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Lunar Probe excels in providing a smooth and subtle auditory experience, the Rosewood offers a deeper thocky sound that many find satisfying. For those who prioritize a quiet environment, the Lunar Probe is the better choice, while users looking for an enhanced acoustic feedback might prefer the Rosewood. Despite their differences, both switches deliver quality performance, ensuring that users will enjoy a satisfying typing experience regardless of their selection.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko Rosewood linear switches, consider your preferences regarding the typing experience and sound profile. If you prioritize a smooth and consistent keypress with a subtle sound signature, the Gateron Lunar Probe would be an excellent choice for you, especially if you enjoy a quieter environment. Its dual rail mechanism ensures stability during typing, making it perfect for long gaming sessions or extensive writing without the distraction of noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, thocky sound that adds character to your keystrokes, the Akko Rosewood will likely be more satisfying for you. These switches come pre-lubed with a distinct auditory feedback that enhances the overall experience, making them ideal for those who enjoy the tactile and sonic aspects of using a mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you lean more towards a smooth feel in a quieter setting, or if you appreciate auditory feedback and a richer sound experience while typing.
Mentioned in this article
