Gateron Lunar Probe vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing experience, two noteworthy contenders are the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Gateron Lunar Probe is celebrated for its innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses that deliver an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed sensation with a subtle sound signature. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value a fluid typing experience with minimal distractions. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) takes a slightly different approach: crafted with a unique PA12 top housing, it offers a softer acoustic profile and features a POM stem that produces a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Users who appreciate a touch of sophistication in their keystrokes may find this switch particularly appealing. While both switches share the linear classification and aim to provide smooth actuation, their unique characteristics 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

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which greatly influence their sound profiles. The Lunar Probe utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile owing to the material's inherent stiffness. This quality allows the switch to produce resonant tones that can be particularly pronounced, especially when RGB lighting is implemented, capitalizing on polycarbonate's translucency to create an appealing visual effect. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, known for promoting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a sound that can be described as duller or rounder—a stark contrast to the pronounced acoustics of polycarbonate. Therefore, while the Lunar Probe’s polycarbonate top lends itself to a brighter auditory experience, the Xinhai’s nylon creates a warmer ambiance.

The bottom housing materials for both switches, however, are identical as they both feature nylon, which introduces a unifying trait in their overall auditory experience. The nylon contributes to a softer typing feel, creating a deeper sound profile that enhances the tactile sensation when bottoming out. This shared characteristic means that the bottoming experience can be similar between the two models, despite the differences observed in their top housings. With both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent impact on the sound made during the bottoming out process. Consequently, it is this bottom housing that will more heavily influence the feel and auditory response of the switches during use.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Lunar Probe and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) present differing atmospheres through their top housing materials, they converge at the bottom housing with nylon as their common element. The contrast between the polycarbonate and nylon top housing establishes varied auditory experiences when the switches are activated: the Lunar Probe’s sharper sound paired with a fuller bottom housing experience, while the Xinhai’s warm, round tones are captured in both its top and bottom. Thus, switching between these models can provide different soundscapes, yet the underlying texture and impact of the bottom housing remain consistently engaging due to nylon's damping qualities. This interplay between the materials can lead to a rich diversity in user experiences while typing.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, both have distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Lunar Probe is notably lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) presents a more robust feel, featuring an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push during keystrokes. This means that the Lunar Probe switches are better suited for users looking for comfort in long-term use, while the Xinhai caters to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for lighter versus heavier actuation forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, the Lunar Probe allows for a deeper experience, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, may be favored by gamers and those seeking quicker response times. As shorter travel distances are becoming more popular among players for their swift actuation, gamers might gravitate towards the Xinhai (Heavy) for its responsiveness. However, for users who enjoy the sensation of more depth and a traditional feel, the Lunar Probe could be the preferable choice. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, their travel distances distinctly highlight the contrast between a more pronounced actuation and a rapid response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, it is characterized by a subtle sound signature that adds to its smooth operation without being overly intrusive. This makes it suitable for environments where noise levels are a concern. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance due to its unique POM stem, allowing it to stand out more audibly when compared to the Lunar Probe. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe shines with its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, ensuring a satisfying keypress experience that many enthusiasts seek in a premium switch. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), being the heavier variant of the classic Xinhai switch, likely offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, though this specific tactile quality can vary based on personal preference. Both switches aim to deliver a high-performance experience, yet they cater to different desires among keyboard users, from those who prefer ultra-smooth key presses to those who lean towards a firmer keypress.

In summary, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches bring distinct qualities to the table—whether it’s the subtle acoustics of the Lunar Probe or the sharp crispness of the Xinhai. While both offer excellent performance, they differ in sound and feel, which may affect their suitability for different users depending on personal preferences. Ultimately, either switch promises a gratifying typing experience, allowing newcomers to choose according to their desired characteristics without sacrificing quality.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a lighter feel with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Lunar Probe is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate smooth, stable, and consistent keypresses thanks to its dual rail mechanism. The pre-lubed design enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for prolonged use, whether you're gaming or typing for extended periods. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and tactile experience with a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the Xinhai (Heavy) will likely suit you better. Its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem provide a distinctively crisp sound and a more pronounced acoustic profile, making it perfect for users who enjoy a higher-pitched resonance and a more robust feedback when typing. In essence, if you lean towards a light and smooth typing experience, go for the Lunar Probe; if you appreciate weightier keypresses with a sophisticated sound, the Xinhai (Heavy) will be your best bet.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more