Gateron Lunar Probe vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the Gateron Lunar Probe and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches offer two compelling yet distinct experiences. The Gateron Lunar Probe is celebrated for its innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses while providing an incredibly smooth, pre-lubed sensation and a subtle sound signature that appeals to many gamers and typists who value both performance and a satisfying tactile feel. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g prioritizes a whisper-quiet typing experience, making it ideal for users in shared environments or those who prefer a more subdued atmosphere. With an ultra-light bottom-out force of just 43g, these switches cater to light typists seeking ease and comfort with every keystroke. Each switch has its unique strengths: the Lunar Probe is perfect for those who desire smooth action and reliability, while the Silent Sakura shines in its ability to provide a peaceful typing experience. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, which significantly influence their auditory and tactile feedback. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and resonant properties. This choice of material not only amplifies the clarity of the sound when a key is released but also serves an aesthetic purpose, particularly enhancing RGB lighting effects with its translucency. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than polycarbonate, giving the typing experience a more rounded auditory signature that can be appealing to users seeking a quieter, less harsh typing environment.
When examining the bottom housings of each switch, the differences continue to play a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing, like its top counterpart, promotes a deeper sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a solid and muted bottoming-out sound that contrasts with the sharper note from the polycarbonate top. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing further enhances the switch's auditory profile, echoing the staccato clarity associated with polycarbonate materials. The sound produced when the key is pressed down is brighter, which can create an appealing auditory feedback loop when typing quickly or gaming.
Ultimately, the interaction between the distinct materials used in the top and bottom housings of these switches results in unique auditory and tactile feedback characteristics. With the Gateron Lunar Probe’s combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, the sound experience is cleanly divided: a bright note upon release accompanied by a fuller sound when bottoming out. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a contrasting sound profile with its nylon top and polycarbonate bottom, resulting in a richer depth to the overall typing experience. While both switches can deliver satisfying results depending on user preferences, the contrasting qualities of their materials lead to distinct auditory experiences that cater to different typing styles and environments.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in their specifications. The Lunar Probe features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier. In contrast, the Silent Sakura boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This difference means that typists who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Silent Sakura more suitable. The heavier Lunar Probe could appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, users looking for easier keystrokes will benefit from the Silent Sakura’s lower forces, while those who prefer a firmer action may lean towards the Lunar Probe.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we find that they differ quite notably. The Lunar Probe has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura measures a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lunar Probe offers a shorter actuation distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's greater travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, if you favor a snappier feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe would be the better choice, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura could be ideal for users who appreciate a deeper key press.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 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
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch features a subtle sound signature that offers a quiet typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept low. While the exact sound characteristics are not specified, it is known for its smooth operation that likely contributes to an unobtrusive auditory presence. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is designed explicitly for silence, providing a whisper-quiet typing experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This makes both switches ideal for users who prefer a quieter environment; however, the Silent Sakura may be slightly more attuned to minimizing sound due to its focused engineering for silence.
When it comes to feel, the Lunar Probe is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, ensuring a delightful typing experience with a focus on stable and consistent keypresses. Users can expect a fluidity that’s aided by Gateron’s innovative dual rail mechanism. The Silent Sakura - 43g, on the other hand, offers a lightweight feel with its 43g bottom-out force, catering to light typists who prefer a gentler touch. While both switches promise smoothness, the Lunar Probe emphasizes stability whereas the Silent Sakura targets a lighter typing experience, giving each switch its own unique tactile profile.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches cater to users seeking a quiet typing experience, but they do so through slightly different approaches. The Lunar Probe focuses on a smooth feel and stable keypresses, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a more solid typing performance, while the Silent Sakura’s ultra-light force and whisper-quiet nature serve light typists looking for an unobtrusive tactile sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, each switch presents a distinct option that can enhance the typing experience, ensuring satisfaction in a silent yet enjoyable way.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific typing habits and preferences. If you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams and enjoy a stable, smooth keypress experience, the Lunar Probe is an excellent option. It caters well to those who appreciate a bit of feedback without being overly taxing on your fingers, making it ideal for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, if you often type in quiet environments and prefer a lighter touch, the Silent Sakura - 43g, with its 43-gram bottom-out force, will be more appealing. It’s specifically designed for a serene, whisper-quiet experience, perfect for those who are light typists or work in shared spaces. In essence, choose the Lunar Probe for a silky smooth action and subtle sound, while opting for the Silent Sakura if you're seeking tranquility and a gentler tactile response. Your decision will ultimately reflect your work style, environment, and personal comfort.
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