Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between linear and tactile options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Lunar Probe, a linear switch, is celebrated for its unique dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses. This switch delivers an incredibly smooth, pre-lubed feel with a gentle sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and fluidity, such as gamers or typists who prefer a noise-free environment. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, a tactile switch, offers a subtle to moderate tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience by providing a physical bump at the actuation point. Its balanced sound profile complements its tactile characteristics, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sensation without the loud clacking often associated with clicky switches. Both options have their unique advantages, tailored to different preferences and use cases; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Gateron Weightlessness, the most notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Lunar Probe utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is praised for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound when a key is pressed or released. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting configurations, as it allows light to filter through, creating a visually appealing effect. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer texture of nylon dampens vibrations, contributing to a rounder and less pronounced sound. Thus, while both switches can deliver unique auditory experiences, they cater to different preferences in sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
On the other hand, both the Lunar Probe and the Weightlessness feature nylon for their bottom housing, making this aspect of the switches consistent across both models. The nylon material contributes to a more subdued sound profile, providing typists with a richer keystroke experience characterized by a deeper and fuller tone. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, both models will exhibit similar qualities in how they feel and sound when the key is fully pressed down. This shared feature offers a level of continuity, ensuring that users experience a similarly pleasant typing experience regardless of the top housing material used in each switch.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Lunar Probe and Weightlessness diverge in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the former and nylon for the latter—their bottom housing is consistent across both switches. As a result, users can expect a similar bottoming-out sensation and auditory output during keystrokes due to the common use of nylon. However, the difference in top housing materials will lend each switch its unique character, influencing the overall typing experience by altering the sound upon key release. Consequently, the preference for sharper or deeper sound profiles ultimately determines which switch may be more satisfying for an individual typist, while the bottom housing commonality ensures a solid foundation in the tactile experience.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to trigger each keystroke. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch features an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating a slightly heavier push, but its bottom out force remains unknown. This lack of available data on the bottom out force makes it difficult to fully compare the two switches in that regard. Overall, the Lunar Probe is the lighter choice, while the Weightlessness is heavier by virtue of its higher actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. If both switches had the same bottom out force, users could anticipate a more similar typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a slight difference to note. The Lunar Probe features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Weightlessness has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is somewhat shorter. This variance is significant for users who seek specific tactile feedback in their typing experience. Gamers may prefer the Weightlessness for its quicker actuation due to the shorter distance, allowing for faster response times. Conversely, those who favor a more substantial feel might lean towards the Lunar Probe, as its longer travel distance can provide a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference for either responsiveness or depth in key travel.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is known for its subtle sound signature, which adds to the experience without becoming distracting, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. The sound generated when bottoming out is soft and muted, benefiting users who are in shared spaces or prefer a more understated auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch produces a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile features. While it also maintains a moderate noise level, its distinct tactile bump may result in a slightly more pronounced acoustic feedback during typing compared to the Lunar Probe.
In terms of feel, the Lunar Probe offers an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation that ensures a consistent and satisfying keypress. This smooth action is ideal for typists seeking a fluid experience without the interruption of tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, which can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy the acknowledgment that their key presses have registered. This tactile bump adds character and can help improve typing accuracy for users who rely on that sensory feedback.
Overall, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Weightlessness switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you desire a smooth, quiet linear experience, the Lunar Probe is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a definitive tactile feel with a balanced sound, the Weightlessness may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on your personal typing style and sound preferences, but both switches offer features designed to enhance the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a smooth, light keystroke with a gentle touch, the Lunar Probe is your best bet. Its 50-gram bottom-out force and the novel dual rail mechanism provide a consistent and stable typing experience that is perfect for gamers seeking rapid key presses or typists who enjoy a fluid motion without much resistance. Additionally, the pre-lubed design ensures a refined feel, making it ideal if you value a whisper-quiet sound profile alongside a refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback that enhances your typing without overwhelming noise, then the Weightlessness switch would be more suitable. Its subtle to moderate tactile feel offers a delightful typing experience, particularly beneficial for those who type extensively and prefer to feel the actuation point without the excessive force or sound. By considering your typing style, the type of work you’ll be doing, and what you enjoy in a switch—whether it's more fluidity with the Lunar Probe or tactile sensation with the Weightlessness—you can make an informed decision that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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