Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Dareu Snow. The Gateron Lunar Probe is known for its stable and consistent keypresses, thanks to the dual rail mechanism. It offers an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, accompanied by a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature while typing. The Snow switch is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Both switches have their unique features and qualities that make them desirable, but in order to make the best decision for your needs, it's essential to delve deeper into the specifics of each switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Dareu Snow switches offer different benefits to the overall typing experience. The Lunar Probe utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Snow features a POK top housing, which boasts exceptional smoothness and durability, offering a clacky typing experience. While both switches have distinct top housing materials, they both provide excellent options for those seeking a high-quality typing experience with unique sound profiles.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Lunar Probe and the Snow utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic properties, which absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings. Interestingly, despite the differences in top housing materials between the two switches, they both share the classic choice of nylon for their bottom housings, highlighting the importance of this material in creating a satisfying typing sound and feel.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Dareu Snow switches creates a unique typing experience for users. The top housing materials influence the sound profile when pressing down and releasing a key, with polycarbonate offering a clear and resonant sound in the Lunar Probe, while POK provides a smooth and clacky feel in the Snow. On the other hand, the bottom housing materials, both utilizing nylon, contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a high-quality typing experience with their selected housing materials, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that the Lunar Probe is lighter in both categories. The Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Lunar Probe offers a lighter typing experience overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a gentler keystroke. On the other hand, the Snow provides a slightly firmer feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing feel due to their varying force requirements, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing comfort and performance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - the Lunar Probe may offer a slightly deeper press, while the Snow may feel more abrupt but quicker. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar experience due to their relatively close travel distances.
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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 known for its subtle and smooth sound signature, which adds a level of sophistication to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper sound profile, thanks to its innovative POK material construction. The Snow switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that resonates with a satisfying thud or knock, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is praised for its stable and consistent keypresses, thanks to the dual rail mechanism that ensures a smooth linear sensation. However, the Dareu Snow switch stands out for its bouncy feedback, providing a spring-like and elastic sensation when typing. This bouncy feel can add an element of liveliness and rebound to each keypress, enhancing the tactile feedback for the user.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Dareu Snow linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lunar Probe provides a subtle and smooth typing experience with stable keypresses, the Snow switch offers a deeper and more satisfying sound profile along with a bouncy and lively feedback sensation. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of overall performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and smooth linear switch with a stable and consistent typing experience, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a deeper sound profile and bouncy feedback sensation, then the Dareu Snow switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize a lighter and smoother feel or a slightly heavier switch with a unique sound signature and feedback sensation. Consider these factors when choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Dareu Snow switches to ensure you find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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