Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch with the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, two distinct keyboard switch options emerge. The Lunar Probe impresses with its smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke that is satisfying and silent. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Silent Grey both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, the differences in their other housing materials may affect the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Lunar Probe utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Grey's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the Lunar Probe potentially offering a softer and more muted sound compared to the Silent Grey.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing on the keyboard. While both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Outemu Silent Grey feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and clear sound profile, the differences in their bottom housing materials, with the Lunar Probe using nylon and the Silent Grey using polycarbonate, may lead to variations in sound and feel during typing. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in a switch determines the overall typing experience and may cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. When it comes to bottoming out, the Lunar Probe has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Grey has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Lunar Probe provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it easier on the fingers for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the Lunar Probe being lighter and the Silent Grey being medium-heavy. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter of the two switches compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Lunar Probe may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Grey may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper press when typing. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing the one that best suits your typing or gaming 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 Silent Grey comes in at $3.10 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 is known for its quiet and subtle sound signature, making it a great choice for those looking for a non-intrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is specifically designed to offer a quiet typing experience while still providing a satisfying tactile feedback. Both switches aim to minimize noise, but the Silent Grey is tailored towards tactile enthusiasts who enjoy a pronounced bump with each keystroke. Depending on the overall build of your keyboard and keycaps used, you can expect a similar sound profile from both switches, with the Silent Grey offering a more tactile typing experience overall.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch provides an incredibly smooth and linear typing experience due to its pre-lubed design and dual rail mechanism. This results in stable and consistent keypresses, making it a popular choice among those who prefer a straightforward linear feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a smooth keystroke with a noticeable bump, providing tactile feedback with each press. While the Lunar Probe focuses on consistency and stability, the Silent Grey caters to users who appreciate tactile feedback while typing. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the Lunar Probe leaning towards a smoother linear feel and the Silent Grey providing a tactile experience with each keypress.
Overall, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Lunar Probe offers a quieter and smoother linear typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize consistency and stability. On the other hand, the Silent Grey provides a quiet yet tactile typing experience, perfect for users who enjoy a pronounced bump with each keypress. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and typing feedback, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is important to consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force, smooth linear switches, and a subtle sound signature, then the Gateron Lunar Probe switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force, tactile switches with a pronounced bump, and a silent typing experience, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing experience and desired key feel. Consider trying out both switches to see which one feels the best for your typing style.
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