Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Huano Sakura offer distinct experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Lunar Probe is celebrated for its innovative dual rail mechanism, which ensures stable and consistent keypresses. This results in an incredibly smooth typing experience complemented by a subtle sound signature, making it a great choice for those who value a polished feel while working or gaming. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch provides a feather-light touch, designed for comfort during prolonged typing sessions, along with medium acoustics that provide a satisfying auditory feedback. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Lunar Probe aims for smoothness and stability, while the Sakura emphasizes lightness and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

Huano Sakura Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Huano Sakura switches, notable distinctions emerge, particularly in their top housing materials. The Lunar Probe employs polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and translucency, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's auditory feedback but also plays a crucial role in illuminating RGB lighting effectively, as its clear properties allow light to pass through. In contrast, the Sakura utilizes POK (polyketone), which boasts lower friction for smoother operation and exceptional durability, surpassing nylon and POM in shock and wear resistance. While both materials aim to enhance user experience, their differing sound profiles and aesthetic qualities could lead to varied tactile and auditory sensations when used in a keyboard.

Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, a common choice that contributes to their deep, full sound profiles. Nylon's softer composition effectively absorbs sound, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. This similarity in bottom housing provides a consistent base for both the Lunar Probe and the Sakura switches, resulting in similar bottom-out sound characteristics and feel during typing. Although the top housing materials create distinct sound profiles, the shared nylon bottoms ensure that both switches deliver a familiar auditory and tactile response, allowing users to experience a comfortable bottom-out sensation regardless of the top housing differences.

The interaction between the top and bottom housing materials showcases the importance of material selection in mechanical switch design. While the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top enhances sharper and crisper sound signatures, the Sakura's POK top contributes to a smoother and clackier typing experience. As the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing dominates the feel and sound upon bottoming out. This division allows keyboard enthusiasts to appreciate how different materials can blend to create unique typing experiences—both switches ultimately rely on the nylon bottom to provide a consistent auditory foundation, despite the variances in their top housings. Thus, while the user may experience different sound profiles when typing, the core feel remains comparable, making both the Gateron and Huano switches worthy contenders in the world of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, we notice a distinct difference in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Lunar Probe features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it relatively light in feel. In contrast, the Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which further establishes its lighter profile. This means that for users who favor a light touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Huano Sakura may prove to be more comfortable. The Gateron Lunar Probe, while still on the lighter side, offers a slightly heavier push, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Sakura is the lighter option, while the Lunar Probe is the heavier of the two.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. Since both switches share this identical measurement, users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on either switch, resulting in a consistent feel and response across both types. The equal travel distance means that keystrokes will feel nearly the same, providing advantages in situations where uniformity is desired, such as gaming or typing tasks.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches are characterized by their subdued acoustics, which produce a dampened noise during use. This means that while they aren't completely silent, they provide a more subtle sound profile compared to many other mechanical switches, making them a great choice for shared workspaces or quieter environments. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch features medium acoustics, which suggest that they will generate a slightly more pronounced sound than the Lunar Probe. However, the specific sound quality of the Sakura is less detailed, leaving some uncertainty about how it exactly compares in terms of auditory signature.

Regarding feel, the Lunar Probe switches are renowned for their silky, polished finish, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Users can expect reduced friction and a gentle overall typing sensation, thanks in part to Gateron’s novel dual rail mechanism. The typing experience is further enhanced by their mild and subtle resistance, which makes them approachable for the majority of typists. On the other hand, the information available on the Huano Sakura does not specify its tactile feel, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares to the meticulously crafted smoothness of the Lunar Probes.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Huano Sakura linear switches offer distinctive attributes that cater to different user preferences, the Lunar Probe stands out with its smooth and subtle characteristics. The subtle sound of the Lunar Probe makes it an excellent option for those concerned about noise, while its refined feel ensures a pleasurable typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura is still somewhat of an unknown in terms of tactile feedback and sound, leaving users curious about how it might complement their typing style. Overall, if you're seeking an exceptionally smooth experience and a quieter switch, the Lunar Probe would be an ideal choice, while the Sakura might appeal to those preferring something lighter with medium sound levels.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your decision largely hinges on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you’re someone who values a silky, polished typing experience and desires a switch that guarantees stable and consistent keypresses, the Gateron Lunar Probe is the way to go. Its 50-gram bottom out force provides a light yet satisfying feel, making it ideal for both gaming and extended typing sessions. Moreover, its subdued sound signature is perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter touch with an emphasis on a feather-light feel, the Huano Sakura, with its 45-gram bottom out force, might be more suitable for you. Its medium acoustics are perfect for long typing marathons, offering ease without sacrificing too much feedback. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences; thus, the choice lies in what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more