Gateron Lunar Probe vs. HMX SU

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX SU both offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Lunar Probe distinguishes itself with Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring a stable and consistent keypress experience, along with its incredibly smooth, pre-lubed tactile sensation and subtle sound signature. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quiet yet satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the HMX SU offers a full PA12 housing that pairs with a T5 stem, resulting in a deeper sound profile that can appeal to users seeking a richer auditory feedback with their keystrokes. While both switches maintain a smooth linear actuation, the choice between the Lunar Probe's sleek and smooth performance and the HMX SU's distinct sound and durability can influence your overall typing experience significantly. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

HMX SU Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX SU exhibit contrasting housing materials in their top housings, which significantly influences the sound profile of each switch. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing that culminates in a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material not only enhances sound resonance but also adds a visually appealing translucence, making it especially compatible with RGB lighting setups. In stark contrast, the HMX SU opts for a traditional nylon top housing, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This difference in materials indicates that while the Lunar Probe produces a high-pitched sound with pronounced clarity, the HMX SU offers a more subdued auditory experience.

In regards to their bottom housings, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and HMX SU utilize nylon, which leads to similar sound outcomes in that aspect. The nylon bottom housing in the Lunar Probe absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience, paralleling the characteristics of the HMX SU. Both switches benefit from nylon's inherent properties, allowing them to share a commonality in sound dampening and the softness of touch felt while typing. This uniformity in bottom housing material suggests that regardless of the differing top materials used, both switches will have an appreciable depth to their sound profiles during operation.

When considering the overall performance of these switches, it becomes clear that the interaction between top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in the typing experience. With the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top contributing to a more pronounced sound when releasing a key, and the nylon bottom providing a rounded sound influence upon bottoming out, users can expect a blend of characteristics that differ significantly from the HMX SU. On the other hand, the HMX SU’s singular nylon top leads to a homogenous sound experience that might appeal to those who favor uniformity over contrast. Hence, while both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings—providing a base consistency—their distinct top housing materials result in diverse auditory and tactile results.

Weight

The Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX SU linear switches share identical specifications, with both having an actuation force and bottom out force of 45 grams and 50 grams, respectively. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience from both switches, making them suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming, as their lighter force requirements help reduce finger fatigue. While both switches offer a lightweight feel, appealing to those who prefer less resistance during keystrokes, they also provide a consistent tactile feedback that fans of heavier switches might find lacking. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to brand preference or other features, as they deliver the same characteristics in terms of actuation and bottoming out forces.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means users will experience a similar keystroke feel when pressing down on either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches provide a consistent tactile experience, allowing for smooth and responsive typing or gaming sessions. Since they both have the same specifications in this aspect, users can expect comparable performance in terms of key travel and actuation depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch produces a subtle sound signature, making it a relatively quiet option suitable for shared spaces or environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the HMX SU switch is characterized by a relatively deep sound profile, which adds a more pronounced auditory experience while still keeping it understated. The harmonious blend of the Lunar Probe’s delicate sound with the SU’s deeper tone indicates that while both switches remain on the quieter side, the SU may provide a slightly richer soundscape depending on the keystrokes.

When exploring the feel of these switches, the Lunar Probe is known for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, resulting in a pleasant and uninterrupted typing experience. This smoothness contributes to a premium feel that many users find appealing. Conversely, the HMX SU switch features a full PA12 housing paired with a T5 stem, delivering a distinct feel that users may find engaging, but detailed tactile feedback characteristics remain unspecified. The Lunar Probe’s emphasis on smoothness and consistency contrast with the potentially different feel of the SU, emphasizing experiential preference between the two.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and HMX SU switches deliver unique qualities that appeal to different types of users. While the Lunar Probe excels with its smoothness and subtle sound, the HMX SU offers a richer auditory experience with its deep sound profile. If you’re looking for a quieter yet satisfying typing experience, either switch could serve you well, but your preference might boil down to the nuanced feel and sound you seek in a mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities in typing performance. If you prefer a switch that guarantees stability and consistency thanks to Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism, the Lunar Probe might be the better option for you. This switch offers an incredibly smooth experience with a light bottoming-out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for long typing sessions without much finger fatigue. It provides a subtle sound signature, which may be ideal if you value a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a slightly deeper sound profile combined with a tactile feel, the HMX SU could be a more suitable choice. Its full PA12 housing lends a distinctive acoustic characteristic, while the T5 stem contributes to a different tactile sensation during keypresses. As both switches feature the same bottom-out force, the decision will hinge more on the sound and feel characteristics that resonate with you. Therefore, consider what aspects of a switch are most important to your typing or gaming experience to make an informed choice between these two excellent options.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more