Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Lunar Probe and Kailh Sage are two popular options to consider. The Gateron Lunar Probe is a linear switch that boasts a smooth and pre-lubed typing experience, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage is a clicky switch known for its distinct clicky typing experience, with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness. While the Lunar Probe provides a subtle sound signature, the Sage offers an invigorating and crunchy sensation. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal to different preferences, but ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your individual typing style and preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
The Gateron Lunar Probe and the Kailh Sage both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. While both switches share this material for their top housings, they may differ in terms of other components like the bottom housing.
In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Kailh Sage both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite the different manufacturers, the switches achieve similar sound profiles due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings, it becomes evident that each plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the sound and feel when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. The bottom housing particularly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when a key is released. Overall, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Kailh Sage showcase how different housing materials can contribute to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, the Lunar Probe is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial push feel during typing. While the actuation force of the Sage is unknown, the heavier bottom out force suggests that it may require a bit more effort to trigger a keystroke compared to the Lunar Probe. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing intensity, with the Lunar Probe offering a lighter touch and the Kailh Sage providing a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on a key. The travel distance of 3.6 mm for both switches ensures that users will feel a consistent level of actuation when using either switch. The similarity in travel distance between the Lunar Probe and the Sage emphasizes the importance of tactile feedback and keypress consistency in mechanical keyboards.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 subtle and smooth experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch provides a unique and satisfying crunchiness with each keypress, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. The choice between the two will come down to personal preference, with the Lunar Probe offering a quieter experience and the Sage delivering a more audible and distinct typing sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch boasts stable and consistent keypresses thanks to its dual rail mechanism, providing a smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation. Conversely, the Kailh Sage switch offers a heavier weight and a sharp clickiness that adds an invigorating feeling to each keystroke. The Sage also features a snappy and reactive feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation that some users may find appealing. Again, the decision will ultimately depend on the user's preference for a lighter, smoother feel or a heavier, more tactile typing experience.
Taking all factors into consideration, both the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Lunar Probe excels in providing a smooth and stable typing experience with a subtle sound signature, the Sage stands out for its distinct clicky feel and heavy weight. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether the user values a quieter, smoother typing experience or a more audible and tactile feel. Both switches offer quality components and innovative design features that are sure to enhance any typing setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a smooth linear typing experience with a subtle sound signature, then the Lunar Probe may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a heavier bottom out force and a distinct clicky typing experience with a sharp sound, the Sage switch might be more to your liking. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and the type of typing experience you prefer when making your decision between these two switches.
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