Gateron Lunar Probe vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a smooth linear typing experience. The Gateron Lunar Probe stands out for its dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses, as well as its pre-lubed operation for a silky feel with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon features a progressive spring and dry-lube design that provides a buttery smooth typing experience, with a low-pitched, neutral, and mild sound profile. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and requirements. 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

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Lunar Probe and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the difference lies in their nylon bottom housings. The Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing offers the same qualities, enhancing the overall typing experience.

While both the Lunar Probe and the Sea Salt Lemon utilize polycarbonate top housings to create a sharp and crisp sound, their nylon bottom housings set them apart. The differences in sound profile between the two switches can be attributed to the characteristics of the nylon material used in their bottom housings. The Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound, emphasizing a more muted and rounder tone. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a similar typing experience but with its own unique sound profile that complements the overall switch construction.

Ultimately, the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, the nuances in their nylon bottom housings differentiate their sound profiles. The split qualities of the housing materials ensure that each aspect of typing, whether pressing down or letting go of a key, is influenced by the specific characteristics of the top and bottom housings. As a result, both switches offer a unique typing experience tailored to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

Both the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light to type on. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lunar Probe has a slightly lighter feel with 50 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 53 grams, making the Sea Salt Lemon slightly heavier when fully pressed. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Lunar Probe, while those looking for a bit more resistance and feedback may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience with minor differences in bottom out force, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation force and overall feel.

Travel distance

The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lunar Probe switch. The 0.4 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can affect the overall feel and response of the switch. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Lunar Probe with the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon with the longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offers a subtle and smooth sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone while remaining suitable for a variety of typing environments. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Lunar Probe being more on the subtle side, and the Sea Salt Lemon offering a unique low-pitched sound.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch boasts Gateron's novel dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses, along with a smooth, pre-lubed linear feel. This combination results in a buttery smooth typing experience that is enjoyable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch features a progressive spring and dry-lube design, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches prioritize smoothness and consistency, with the Lunar Probe leaning towards stability and the Sea Salt Lemon focusing on a gentle typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches aim to provide users with a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. While the Lunar Probe emphasizes stability and a subtle sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a unique low-pitched sound and a mild typing feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer quality options for those looking for a linear switch with excellent performance. Ultimately, trying out both switches will likely result in a similar satisfying typing experience, with the choice coming down to personal preference in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, smooth linear keystrokes, and a stable typing experience, the Lunar Probe may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly higher bottom out force, a buttery smooth typing experience with a progressive spring, and a neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon could be the ideal switch for your needs. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between these two unique linear switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more