Gateron Lunar Probe vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, the decision may ultimately come down to personal preference and specific needs. The Gateron Lunar Probe offers a unique dual rail mechanism for stable and consistent keypresses, providing an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear typing experience with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is designed for those seeking a quiet and seamless typing experience, perfect for office or shared living spaces. With a muted sound profile and a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom, the Silent Red switch also offers a padded bottom-out feel for added comfort. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the TTC Silent Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the light to shine through. However, despite their similarities in top housing material, the nylon bottom housing of the Lunar Probe provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Red creates a duller and rounder sound by absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience for users of each switch.
While the nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a different sound profile based on its softer nature, the polycarbonate top housing of the Lunar Probe and the Silent Red offers a similar sharp, crisp sound profile that is enhanced by its stiffness. This creates a consistent typing experience for users in terms of the sound and feel of the keys. However, the difference in sound between the top and bottom housing materials, with one providing a sharper sound and the other a fuller sound, may add complexity and depth to the overall typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the TTC Silent Red both utilize a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials to create a unique typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housing offers a similar sharp and crisp sound profile for both switches, the nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound for the Lunar Probe and a duller and rounder sound for the Silent Red. This difference in bottom housing material may result in subtle variations in typing feel and sound between the two switches, catering to different preferences of users seeking a specific sound profile in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Lunar Probe has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Red's heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Lunar Probe makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing or gaming without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Red provides a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, with the Silent Red being slightly longer than the Lunar Probe. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt, preferring a switch with a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 switch offers a subtle and quiet typing experience, thanks to its smooth linear action and pre-lubed mechanism. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is specifically designed to minimize noise, providing a muted sound profile that is ideal for office or shared spaces. Both switches aim to reduce the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for a more peaceful typing environment. However, the exact sound produced by each switch may vary depending on factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is known for its stable and consistent keypresses, attributed to its dual rail mechanism. This results in a smooth and linear typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery, offering a seamless and uniform keypress sensation from top to bottom. Additionally, it provides a padded bottom-out feel for added comfort during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a polished feel, with a focus on smooth key travel and reduced friction for an overall refined typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch provide users with a quiet and comfortable typing experience. While the Lunar Probe switch excels in stability and consistency due to its dual rail mechanism, the Silent Red switch stands out for its buttery feel and padded bottom-out sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference, with both options offering similar results in terms of sound reduction and smooth key travel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prioritize a light bottom out force, stable and consistent keypresses, and enjoy a subtle sound signature, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, and maximum comfort with a padded bottom-out feel, then the TTC Silent Red switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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