Gateron Lunar Probe vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Lunar Probe and HMX Twilight both offer compelling experiences, particularly in the realm of linear switches. The Gateron Lunar Probe is celebrated for its innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses along with a supremely smooth, pre-lubed sensation that provides a subtle auditory feedback, making it a fantastic option for those who prioritize a silky typing experience and want minimal distraction. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to its quieter performance while still preserving the desirable clacky characteristics that HMX switches are known for; this makes it a great choice for users seeking a balance between quiet operation and pronounced feedback. Each switch appeals to different preferences in terms of typing feel and sound profile, catering to distinct user needs in the mechanical keyboard community. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Twilight offer distinctly different auditory experiences due to their differing top housing materials. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the switch's resonance and clarity, making it particularly suitable for setups that utilize RGB lighting. The clear housing allows light to diffuse nicely, contributing to a visually appealing setup while simultaneously ensuring that the acoustic properties are kept intact and vibrant. In contrast, the HMX Twilight opts for a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Thus, the key difference in the materials leads to contrasting sound characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, the comparison reveals a shared material: both the Lunar Probe and the Twilight employ nylon for the bottom housing. This commonality leads to similar acoustic outcomes, as nylon's ability to absorb sound tends to yield a deeper, more full-bodied sound profile, regardless of the switch's top housing material. Consequently, while the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top fosters a sharper sound on release, the nylon bottom contributes to a rounder bottom-out sound. Alternatively, the Twilight fully embraces the deeper qualities of nylon for both top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistently muted sound profile. Therefore, the presence of nylon in both switches indicates that similar results in terms of sound depth can be expected from both models, focusing on the overall balance rather than the loudness of individual keystrokes.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials of these two switches yield unique typing experiences that can cater to various user preferences. The sheer contrast between the sharpness of the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top and the deeper sound of the Twilight's nylon top showcases how material choices influence user interaction with their keyboards. Additionally, the shared nylon bottom housing in both models highlights a certain kinship, ensuring that despite their differences, both can deliver a satisfying depth to the user's keystrokes. Understanding these distinctions can help enthusiasts make informed choices based on their desired typing sound and feel, whether they seek the clarity of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch both offer light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. The Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Twilight slightly outperforms it with a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, though both switches have the same bottom-out force of 50 grams. This means that while the actuation forces differ, users will experience similar resistance when pressing keys all the way down. For those who favor a lighter switch, the HMX Twilight would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force, making it easier for extended use, whereas the Gateron Lunar Probe provides a bit more resistance at the actuation point for those who enjoy a slightly firmer feel. Overall, if weight and actuation sensitivity are your primary concerns, the HMX Twilight will provide a lighter typing experience, while the Gateron Lunar Probe offers a marginally heavier actuation feel without compromising on bottom-out pressure.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Twilight linear switches, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences. The Lunar Probe has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Twilight offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that, for users who prefer a quicker response time, the Lunar Probe might be the better choice, as it has a shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking speed in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Twilight's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress and tactile depth, providing a different typing experience. In summary, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Lunar Probe is the preferred option, whereas the Twilight is more suited for those who enjoy a deeper feel in their keystrokes.
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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch features a subtle sound signature that aligns well with its smooth, linear design, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The HMX Twilight switch, on the other hand, has an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a slightly quieter sound that still maintains the clacky characteristics associated with HMX switches. While both switches have a quieter profile, the Lunar Probe focuses on a more subdued acoustic experience, whereas the Twilight allows for a bit more auditory expression due to its clacky nature.
When considering the feel, the Lunar Probe is characterized by its incredibly smooth and consistent keypresses, aided by Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism and pre-lubed design. This combination ensures that users experience a seamless typing sensation throughout the keypress. The Twilight switch, while also linear, is known for its unique extended travel distance, which may offer a different tactile feedback than the Lunar Probe. The varying travel distance can influence the overall sensation felt during use, though both offer a generally smooth typing experience.
In summary, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Twilight linear switches provide appealing qualities for different preferences. The Lunar Probe excels in delivering a subtle sound and a smooth, stable feel, making it highly suitable for users seeking a quieter typing experience. Meanwhile, the Twilight switch offers a somewhat quieter sound profile alongside the extended travel distance, catering to those who might appreciate a bit more feedback during their typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying linear experience, with distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that may appeal to different users depending on their preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth keypress with a stable typing experience, the Lunar Probe is an excellent choice. Its dual rail mechanism and pre-lubed design make for an extremely fluid feel, which is ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where every keystroke counts. Additionally, if you appreciate a subtle sound signature that won’t disrupt your environment, the Lunar Probe serves you well. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a slightly longer travel distance without losing that desirable linear feel, the Twilight might be more suited for you. Its extended 3.85mm travel can provide a unique typing experience while maintaining a quiet operation, making it fitting for workspaces where noise levels matter. In summary, consider the Lunar Probe for a sleek, smooth experience and the Twilight for extended travel and a softer auditory profile.
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