Gateron Lunar Probe vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in nature, you are presented with two unique options. The Lunar Probe from Gateron is praised for its stable and consistent keypresses thanks to the dual rail mechanism, offering a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation that comes with a subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch by KTT stands out for its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a creamy and smooth typing experience, accompanied by a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we see that both switches utilize unique materials in their construction. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing allows for translucency ideal for RGB lighting aesthetics, the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend offers a distinct sound experience that caters to a different preference.
Moving on to the bottom housings, we observe further differences between the two switches. The Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance, offering a clacky and durable typing experience. While the nylon bottom housing of the Lunar Probe focuses on sound profile depth, the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizes smoothness and longevity.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. The differences in the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream showcase how each material contributes unique characteristics to the overall sound and feel of the switch. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Lunar Probe or the durable POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream, understanding these distinctions can help users find the switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound, feel, and durability.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light weights. The Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. In terms of weight, both switches are quite similar, with the Lunar Probe being slightly heavier than the Vanilla Ice Cream in both actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force is the amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. Overall, these switches provide a light and comfortable typing experience, perfect for long typing sessions or extended gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. If you prefer a switch with a slightly deeper press, the Gateron Lunar Probe may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quicker, more abrupt key press, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream could be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific feel you are looking for in your keyboard.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 Switches provide a subtle and smooth typing experience, with a sound signature that is not overly loud or distracting. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer a high-pitched and clacky sound profile that sets them apart from other switches on the market. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Lunar Probe may be more suitable for you, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switches are ideal for those who enjoy a more unique and pronounced sound while typing.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switches are known for their incredibly smooth linear sensation, thanks to the dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses. Meanwhile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer a smooth and creamy feel that is reminiscent of the dessert they are named after. With a buttery and creamy typing experience, typists can expect a seamless and effortless sensation as they type on the Vanilla Ice Cream switches.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Lunar Probe switch provides a subtle and smooth typing experience with stable keypresses, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound profile and smooth and creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, along with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile that offers a creamy and buttery typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you favor a bottom out force of 50 grams, coupled with a smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation that provides stable and consistent keypresses, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Lunar Probe or the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Mentioned in this article
