Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe, a linear switch, and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, also a linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. The Lunar Probe is renowned for its stability and consistency due to Gateron's dual rail mechanism, offering a smooth and pre-lubed linear typing experience with a subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out with its lightning-fast actuation thanks to its short travel distance, along with a unique thocky sound, remarkable smoothness, and a feather-light touch. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, one noticeable difference is in the material used for the top housing. The Lunar Probe utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Lunar Probe may be more suited for those looking for a clearer and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting for a visually appealing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Lunar Probe incorporates a nylon material known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft and sound-absorbing nature. This results in a rounder and duller sound while typing on switches. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver also uses POM for its bottom housing, which again delivers a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side. Both housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches, with nylon offering a softer and more absorbing quality compared to POM.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Smoothie Silver ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a sharper and fuller sound experience, the Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom housings provide a more muted and deep sound. Whether you prefer a crisper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, more pleasing sound will dictate which switch is better suited for your typing preferences. Nonetheless, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different sound profiles for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, but differ in their bottom out forces. The Lunar Probe has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel compared to the Smoothie Silver, which has an unknown bottom out force. The Lunar Probe would be considered the lighter option in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lunar Probe would be a suitable choice, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without causing too much fatigue. However, some users may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Lunar Probe for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Lunar Probe has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly deeper feel when pressing the keys compared to the Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of key depth.
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 Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 linear switch is noted for its subtle and smooth sound signature, providing a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, giving a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. The sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard housing and keycaps used, so it's essential to consider the overall setup when looking for a specific sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offers an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed keypress, ensuring a consistent and stable typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is praised for its light and feather-light touch, with a short travel distance for quick actuation. Both switches prioritize smoothness in their operation, providing a seamless typing experience that can enhance comfort during long typing sessions.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Gateron Lunar Probe and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches, it's evident that they each offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Lunar Probe excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its pronounced thocky sound and feather-light touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound feedback and typing feel. Whichever switch you choose, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Smoothie Silver switches are sure to provide a high-quality typing experience that meets your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you prioritize stability and consistency in keypresses, along with a smooth and pre-lubed feel, the Lunar Probe may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize stability and smoothness or speed and unique sound characteristics in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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