Gateron Lunar Probe vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Xinhai stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The Gateron Lunar Probe is praised for its novel dual rail mechanism that provides stable and consistent keypresses, along with a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation and subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai offers a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, making it a blend of sophistication and performance. While the Lunar Probe focuses on stability and smoothness, the Xinhai highlights a softer acoustics profile and precise performance. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Xinhai feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. This similarity in material choice ensures that both switches will deliver a clear and resonant sound profile, making them ideal choices for users who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of the Lunar Probe and the Xinhai provide a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that adds a different dimension to the typing experience. While the top housing primarily influences the sound when you let go of a key, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. This difference in housing materials between the top and bottom creates a unique typing experience for users of both switches.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Xinhai showcases a thoughtful approach to sound profile and typing feel. While both switches achieve a clear and resonant sound profile with their polycarbonate top housings, the addition of nylon bottom housings brings a deeper and fuller sound that adds another layer of complexity to the typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that caters to different sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches offer a light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces is minimal between the two switches, with the Xinhai being slightly lighter overall. This difference may be imperceptible to most users, resulting in similar typing experiences when using either switch. Ultimately, individuals seeking a light and responsive typing experience may find both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Xinhai linear switches to be suitable options.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The Lunar Probe offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai, but the difference is minimal. Overall, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance that caters to those who prioritize responsiveness in their keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference for the slight variation in travel distance.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 switch provides a subtle and smooth typing experience with a gentle sound signature, allowing for a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is known for its clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the smoother sound of the Lunar Probe while others may enjoy the distinct clackiness of the Xinhai switch.
Moving on to feel, the Lunar Probe switch offers a stable and consistent keypress with its dual rail mechanism, providing a reliable typing experience. Unfortunately, the specific feel descriptor for the Lunar Probe switch is not provided. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch boasts a bouncy and creamy feel, giving users a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Those who enjoy a lively feel and a silky typing sensation may prefer the Xinhai switch for its unique blend of bounce and creaminess.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and HMX Xinhai switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lunar Probe provides a smooth and subtle typing experience with a stable keypress, the Xinhai switch delivers a clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel for users seeking a more lively and distinct typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference in sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whether opting for the Lunar Probe or Xinhai switch, users can expect quality and performance from these innovative mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch, the Xinhai with a bottom out force of 45 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel, the Lunar Probe with a bottom out force of 50 grams might be the better option. Additionally, if you value stability and consistency in your keypresses, the Lunar Probe's dual rail mechanism may be appealing to you. However, if you are looking for a switch with a softer acoustics profile and a crisp, higher-pitched sound, the Xinhai's PA12 top housing and POM stem may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice between the Lunar Probe and Xinhai switches will depend on your personal preferences for key feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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