Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and Outemu Yellow Silver stand out as popular choices for enthusiasts. The Gateron Lunar Probe switch offers a unique dual rail mechanism for stable keypresses, along with a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation and subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch boasts a light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. While both switches have their own strengths and appeal, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Yellow Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal for creating clear and resonant sound profiles, especially when combined with RGB lighting. However, while they share similar characteristics in terms of sound, the aesthetic appeal of a clear polycarbonate housing may vary slightly between the two switches.
In contrast, the Lunar Probe and the Yellow Silver diverge when it comes to their nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Although both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the specific typing experience may differ slightly due to variations in the design and construction of the switches.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Yellow Silver allows for a balanced sound profile that captures both sharpness and depth. The unique qualities of each housing material are distributed throughout the switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Despite any differences in the specific performance of the two switches, users can expect a similar level of quality and craftsmanship in terms of both sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light to the touch. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches, with the Lunar Probe requiring 50 grams and the Yellow Silver requiring 55 grams. This makes the Lunar Probe slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. The difference in bottom out force may lead to a slightly different typing experience for users, with the Lunar Probe offering a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, while the Yellow Silver provides a slightly more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lunar Probe has a shorter travel distance compared to the Yellow Silver. The difference may not seem significant, but for some users, even a slight variation in travel distance can impact their typing experience. Those who prefer a quicker and more responsive feel may lean towards the Lunar Probe, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Yellow Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 boasts a subtle and smooth sound signature, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for individuals who desire a moderate sound output without being too loud or too quiet. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to the preferences of various users, with the Lunar Probe providing a smoother and more subdued sound compared to the neutral sound of the Yellow Silver.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is praised for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, guaranteeing stable and consistent key presses. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is not provided in the information given. However, based on the light actuation force and speediness mentioned, it can be inferred that the Yellow Silver switch offers a responsive and fast key press experience suited for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and agility in their typing.
Overall, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lunar Probe switch provides a smooth and stable typing experience with a subtle sound profile, while the Yellow Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile and light actuation force for a quick and responsive typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience or a neutral sound with quick key presses, you can achieve similar results with either switch based on your specific preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider the bottom out force and the sound profile that best suits your preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation, the Lunar Probe may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Yellow Silver may be a more suitable choice, especially for gamers and typists looking for speediness and responsiveness. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what feels best for you during your typing or gaming sessions.
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