Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a linear switch like the Gateron Lunar Probe and a tactile switch such as the Gazzew U4Tx RGB can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gateron Lunar Probe is celebrated for its innovative dual rail mechanism that ensures stability and consistency with every keystroke, offering an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed experience that appeals to users who prioritize uninterrupted gliding motion and a more subtle sound signature. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB brings a distinctive tactile feedback to the table, characterized by its deep "thock" sound when bottoming out combined with the quiet release of the top-out, creating a luxurious typing feel and an engaging auditory experience. While the Lunar Probe may be ideal for gamers seeking rapid key presses without distraction, the U4Tx RGB may attract those who relish a tactile response and a more pronounced sound profile during their typing sessions. 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

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, a notable distinction emerges in the properties of their respective top housings. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as the clear housing allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, commonly referred to as "boba plastic," which is softer and tends to produce a richer, deeper sound. The diverging material choices imply that the sound signature of the switches will differ significantly, with the Lunar Probe achieving a more crisp attack while the U4Tx RGB delivers a warmer resonance.

Looking at the bottom housings, both the Lunar Probe and the U4Tx RGB utilize nylon and a proprietary Gazzew blend, respectively. The Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing is famed for its classic properties of sound absorption, resulting in a deeper and duller tone profile that enhances the overall tactile experience. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB's softer Gazzew blend bottom housing also yields a rich, deep sound profile, effectively reflecting the principles of softness that contribute to a fuller auditory experience. Despite the differences in materials, both switches share a commitment to creating a pleasing typing experience through their bottom housings. As a result, while their contributions to the sound and feel characteristics differ, both are designed to engender satisfying acoustic feedback.

Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches significantly influences their performance. The key takeaway is that while the Lunar Probe employs distinct materials that bring a brighter sound from the top combination of polycarbonate and nylon, leading to a more pronounced sound upon key release, the U4Tx RGB’s boba plastic concoction promotes a rounded, warm profile, balancing both bottom-out sound and release characteristics. If similar auditory results are desired from the different materials, users can explore tuning methods, such as lube application or sound-dampening materials, to fine-tune their switches, potentially bridging the gap in tonal quality between these two innovative designs.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Lunar Probe features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy, but lacks specified actuation force information. Despite this, it is likely to require more force to actuate than the Lunar Probe, presenting a more substantial feel which may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push. As such, while the Lunar Probe is the lighter option, the U4Tx RGB is heavier, which affects users' typing experience based on their preferences. If the actuation force of the U4Tx RGB were available and matched that of the Lunar Probe, users could expect similar performance in keystroke activation, but with a heavier bottoming out experience.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning you will experience a similar level of key travel when pressing down on either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a comparable tactile response and typing feel, allowing users to achieve consistent results regardless of their choice between these two options.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch features a subtle sound signature that ensures a quiet typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise reduction is crucial. While the notable aspects of the Lunar Probe's sound profile focus on its smooth operation, it doesn't draw attention to itself and allows users to enjoy their work or gaming without distraction. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch is characterized by a deep "thock" sound when bottoming out and a quiet "thock" when topping out, creating a rich auditory experience. This combination offers a satisfying acoustic feedback that can make typing feel more engaging, though it is worth noting that the actual sound produced can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard itself and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe excels in delivering an incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation that glides seamlessly with each keypress. This smoothness is particularly appealing for users who favor a consistent and uninterrupted stroke without any tactile bump or resistance. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch provides a luxurious typing experience by integrating a sharp tactile bump that can be felt at the actuation point. This tactile feedback enhances the typing experience for those who appreciate a more interactive feel when pressing down on keys, offering a contrast to the Lunar Probe’s linear characteristic.

In summary, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is ideal for those seeking a smooth, quiet typing experience, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch caters to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback coupled with a deep acoustic profile. Depending on the individual’s preferences—whether they value silence and smoothness or tactile engagement and richer sound profiles—each switch offers unique advantages that can enhance your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you prefer a lightweight and smooth keystroke with a 50-gram bottom-out force, the Lunar Probe is an excellent choice, particularly for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions, where fatigue can be an issue. Its dual rail mechanism ensures a stable and consistent keypress, enhancing both accuracy and responsiveness, which is ideal for users who prioritize speed and fluidity. On the other hand, if you enjoy typing that offers tactile feedback with a bit more resistance, you might gravitate towards the U4Tx RGB, which features a medium-heavy 65-gram bottom-out force. The pronounced tactile bump and the deep "thock" sound when bottoming out provide an engaging typing experience that many find luxurious. Moreover, the quieter topping out makes it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise might be a concern. Thus, your ultimate decision should reflect whether you lean towards a light and smooth linear feel or a more tactile and pronounced typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more