Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko V3 Silver Pro stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The Gateron Lunar Probe prides itself on its stable and consistent keypresses thanks to the dual rail mechanism, providing an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is specifically designed for gamers, offering effortless keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance for optimal speed in competitive scenarios. Both switches have their unique strengths, but diving deeper beyond these generalities will help you determine the best switch for your personal preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko V3 Silver Pro feature polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic compared to other materials, leading to a more clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate in their top housing, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko V3 Silver Pro may still offer slightly different typing experiences based on their individual design and construction.
On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko V3 Silver Pro differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Lunar Probe features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. In comparison, the Akko V3 Silver Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a similar typing sound profile that offers a unique tactile feel. While the top housing may influence the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and overall typing feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko V3 Silver Pro plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience for users. Despite both switches sharing the same polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, their nylon bottom housings offer distinct characteristics that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Whether it's the clearer resonance of polycarbonate or the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, each housing material adds its own unique touch to the overall tactile and auditory experience of these mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Lunar Probe has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches are designed for lighter typing experiences, making them suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. However, those who prefer a slightly lighter touch may lean towards the V3 Silver Pro, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the Lunar Probe. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth and responsive typing experience with minimal force required for keypresses.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the V3 Silver Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Lunar Probe. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly quicker response time for the V3 Silver Pro. Overall, if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for more responsiveness, the Akko V3 Silver Pro would be the better choice, while the Gateron Lunar Probe may provide a slightly more substantial key press 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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is known for its subtle and smooth sound signature, providing a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is described as having a high-pitched sound profile, which may appeal to those who prefer sharper and crisper keypress sounds. When comparing the two, the Lunar Probe offers a more understated auditory feedback, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a more distinct and sharp sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch offers a smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, ensuring consistent and stable keypresses. The Akko V3 Silver Pro switch, on the other hand, is geared towards gamers with its easy-to-press nature, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel ideal for quick and precise inputs. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro switch is described as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, highlighting the smooth and comfortable typing experience it offers compared to the Lunar Probe switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch emphasizes stability, consistency, and a smooth linear sensation with a subtle sound signature. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch targets gamers with its light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and pleasing bassy sound. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter and more stable typing experience (Lunar Probe) or a responsive and gamer-centric feel (V3 Silver Pro).
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value stability and consistency in keypresses, along with an incredibly smooth linear typing experience, the Lunar Probe may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking switches specifically engineered for gaming with light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quicker keystrokes, the V3 Silver Pro could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should align with your preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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