Gateron Lunar Probe vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences and use cases. The Gateron Lunar Probe stands out with its innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring exceptionally stable and consistent keypresses. With its pre-lubed linear feel, this switch promises a smooth typing experience along with a subtle sound profile, making it an ideal choice for typists who appreciate a quiet yet satisfying touch. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch by HMX is designed specifically for gamers, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm that facilitates rapid-fire inputs. Its bright and clacky sound profile, combined with an incredibly smooth actuation, can enhance the gaming experience for those who thrive on speed and responsiveness. While both switches are linear, their distinct characteristics cater to different user needs: one prioritizes stability and a subtle experience, while the other focuses on speed and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Vintage Citrus showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, resulting in varied sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Lunar Probe’s top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, which produces a sharper and crisper sound when typing. This material allows for greater sound resonance, contributing to a more pronounced auditory experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, a material favored for its softer and more absorbent nature. As a result, the sound generated from the Vintage Citrus is deeper and fuller, providing a warmer auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the Lunar Probe's high-pitched clarity.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, providing a common ground that influences their sound profiles. The nylon material is well-acknowledged in the mechanical keyboard community for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a quieter bottom-out and a more muted auditory response upon keystroke. This characteristic lays the foundation for a rounder sound in both the Lunar Probe and Vintage Citrus, allowing users to enjoy a fuller typing experience. Since both switches utilize nylon at the bottom, the impact of this material will manifest in the softer bottom-out sound common to both switches, ensuring that users will still experience a tactile fullness when typing, regardless of the top housing differences.
When it comes to the combined effects of these materials, the nuances in sound and feel become clearer. The Gateron Lunar Probe’s polycarbonate top housing drives a more vibrant sound during the release of the key, creating a sonic contrast with the deeper tones produced by its nylon bottom housing. Meanwhile, the HMX Vintage Citrus's balance of a nylon top and bottom harmonizes the typing experience, leading to a smoother and more cohesive feel throughout. Ultimately, while the differences in top housing materials lead to unique auditory experiences, the commonality in their nylon bottoms ensures that both switches provide a commendable depth and richness in sound, making both options appealing depending on user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we can observe differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to various user preferences. The Lunar Probe features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches are designed with a linear feel, the Lunar Probe offers a lighter touch for easier keystrokes, whereas the Vintage Citrus provides a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for switch weight and the specific typing experience they seek.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Lunar Probe boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Lunar Probe the longer option, providing a more substantial keypress experience that some users may prefer for a more pronounced tactile feel. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shallower 3 mm travel, caters to those who favor quicker response times, particularly for gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference: if you seek a more responsive action, the Vintage Citrus may be the better fit, while those desiring a bit more depth in their keypress might opt for the Lunar Probe.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 presents a subtle auditory profile that tends to be understated, allowing for a quieter typing experience ideal for office environments or shared spaces. This subtlety is in sharp contrast with the HMX Vintage Citrus switch, which is characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile that offers a more pronounced auditory feedback, catering to gamers who often prefer a more noticeable aural response to their keystrokes. However, it is essential to recognize that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard build and the choice of keycaps, so the actual experience may vary depending on these factors.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is celebrated for its incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation, providing a consistent and enjoyable typing experience that minimizes any friction during keypresses. This smoothness may appeal to users who value a seamless input mechanism for both typing and gaming. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is optimized for rapid-fire inputs, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which contributes to a fast and responsive push feel. This makes the Vintage Citrus particularly suitable for high-speed gaming situations where every millisecond counts, albeit at the potential cost of a more robust tactile experience that some users seek.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The Lunar Probe's subtle sound and smooth feel are excellent for users who appreciate a quieter and more refined typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus's bright sound and rapid actuation force make it an ideal choice for gamers seeking quick responses and a lively auditory feedback. Depending on individual priorities such as typing sound or actuation speed, users may gravitate toward one switch or the other, but both switches promise a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer smooth and consistent keypresses with a lighter bottom-out force for long typing sessions or general use, the Lunar Probe is an excellent option. Its dual rail mechanism ensures stability, and the pre-lubed feel offers a satisfying typing experience enhanced by its subtle sound signature, making it ideal for both casual users and professionals who prioritize comfort during extended use. On the other hand, if you're a gamer looking for rapid response times and a slightly more tactile experience, the Vintage Citrus switch is tailored for that purpose. The low actuation force and 1mm actuation point cater to fast-paced gaming, while the bright, clacky sound profile adds to the overall dynamic experience. Therefore, weigh your priorities—whether you lean towards a smooth, quiet typing experience for work or a snappy, audible response for gaming—before making your final decision. Each switch has its unique strengths, making it crucial to consider how you intend to use your mechanical keyboard.
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