Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Lunar Probe from Gateron is renowned for its stable and consistent keypresses due to its dual rail mechanism, offering a smooth and pre-lubed linear typing experience with a subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers by Jwick boasts a shorter activation point and a long pole stem, providing a unique typing feel that is complemented by a creamy sound signature. The Lunar Probe is categorized as 'Neutral', while the Splash Brothers fall under categories such as neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. Each switch offers its own distinct characteristics, catering 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and Jwick Splash Brothers are similar in that they both feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Despite this similarity, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The Lunar Probe uses a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Splash Brothers also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect.
However, the split between the top and bottom housings can impact the overall typing experience of a switch. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as sound absorption and creating a duller sound, will be felt more prominently when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This means that even though both the Lunar Probe and the Splash Brothers have similar top housing materials, their respective bottom housing materials may result in slightly different typing experiences.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Jwick Splash Brothers utilize polycarbonate top housings for a clear and resonant sound profile, their differences in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housings of both switches create a deeper and fuller sound, but the distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials can result in varying levels of impact during typing. Ultimately, understanding the roles of each housing material can help users choose a switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is clear that both switches are on the lighter side. The Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Splash Brothers has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 48 grams. These forces are relatively similar, with the Lunar Probe being slightly lighter in terms of actuation force. Both switches provide a lighter typing experience, which is ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. However, some users may find the lighter actuation force of the Lunar Probe to be more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Splash Brothers for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we find that the Lunar Probe has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Splash Brothers' 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Lunar Probe may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with the Lunar Probe being just slightly longer than the Splash Brothers.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch provides a subtle sound signature, ensuring a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a creamy sound profile that adds a touch of character to each keypress. Both switches are designed to minimize noise, making them suitable for office environments or shared spaces where quiet operation is preferred.
In terms of feel, the Lunar Probe switch offers an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, providing a consistent and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch boasts a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, along with a snappy and bouncy feedback that adds a lively feel to each keystroke. Additionally, the Splash Brothers switch features a polished finish that enhances the overall smoothness of key travel.
Overall, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Lunar Probe excels in providing a stable and consistent typing experience with a subtle sound signature, the Splash Brothers stands out with its creamy sound profile and approachable typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch or the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, you should take into account the bottom out force, sound, and feel of each switch. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, a stable and consistent keypress experience, and a smooth linear sensation, then the Gateron Lunar Probe switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a creamy sound signature, a mild and approachable typing feel with a snappy and bouncy response, then the Jwick Splash Brothers switch could be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure you have the best mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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