Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and Everglide Sunset Yellow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Lunar Probe is praised for its stable and consistent keypresses, thanks to its dual rail mechanism. It provides a smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, along with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow stands out for its captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, offering a rich and bassy typing experience. The unique Ly stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, both switches have unique characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile with RGB lighting capabilities. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both switches offer distinct sound qualities due to their different top housings, they both aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Lunar Probe incorporates a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer properties which absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Sunset Yellow uses a POM bottom housing that also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both switches utilize their respective bottom housings to enhance the overall sound experience, providing users with a satisfying typing sensation that complements their unique sound profiles.
Overall, while the Gateron Lunar Probe and Everglide Sunset Yellow may have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both strive to offer users a pleasing and unique typing experience. The Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and resonant sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow produces a deeper and more muted sound. Likewise, the nylon bottom housing of the Lunar Probe and the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow both contribute to enhancing the overall sound profiles of these switches. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities or a deeper and more muted typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Lunar Probe requires 50 grams while the Sunset Yellow requires 51 grams. Both switches fall on the lighter end of the force spectrum, with the Sunset Yellow being slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, either of these switches would be a good choice. Both switches provide a comfortable and smooth typing experience, with the slight difference in force likely resulting in similar outcomes for most users.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm. In this case, the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Lunar Probe. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are currently popular among gamers for quicker response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slighter travel distance for faster typing or gaming, the Sunset Yellow would be the better option. However, if you prefer a bit more depth and feedback in your keystrokes, the Lunar Probe with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, so the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 offers a subtle and smooth typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a rich and bassy sound profile, giving off a satisfying thocky sound with each key press. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a quieter typing experience or enjoy the deep and indulgent sound of the Sunset Yellow switch.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch provides a smooth and consistent typing experience, thanks to its dual rail mechanism that ensures stability during key presses. In comparison, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing sensation, allowing for effortless keystrokes with a polished finish. Both switches offer a glide-like feel that enhances the overall typing experience, making them suitable for users looking for a smooth and responsive switch option.
Overall, both the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lunar Probe focuses on stability and smoothness in keypresses with a subtle sound signature, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a rich and satisfying sound experience with a creamy and frictionless feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and typing sensation, either switch can offer a pleasurable typing experience that meets your specific needs. Ultimately, with both switches, you can expect a high-quality performance that delivers on comfort and consistency for your typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Lunar Probe with 50 grams may be the choice for you. It offers a smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 51 grams and enjoy a rich, bassy sound profile similar to mahjong tiles colliding, the Sunset Yellow switches may be more your style. They offer a distinct gliding feel and a combination of short travel and long-pole stem for a sharper typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel, sound, and typing experience.
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