Gateron Lunar Probe vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a smooth linear sensation but with subtle differences that cater to varying preferences. The Gateron Lunar Probe is renowned for its stable and consistent keypresses thanks to the dual rail mechanism, providing a pre-lubed linear experience with a quiet sound signature. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deep sound profile and silky smooth feel, offering a delicate 42g actuation force for a unique typing experience. While the Lunar Probe emphasizes stability and consistency, the Swift focuses on a deeper sound profile and smoothness. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Swift, we can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. This means that both switches will likely exhibit similar sound characteristics in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. However, the Lunar Probe stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which is described as creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material may result in a distinct typing experience between the two switches.
On the other hand, the HMX Swift features a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its sound-absorbing properties, the material's softer nature results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate. This means that the Swift may offer a more muted typing experience in terms of sound when compared to the Lunar Probe. The contrast between the top housing materials of these switches highlights how different housing materials can impact the overall sound profile of a switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the HMX Swift plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Lunar Probe utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile, the HMX Swift opts for nylon for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper sound or a rounder sound, both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience and sound feedback for the user.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch are quite similar. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a consistent level of resistance when pressing the keys all the way down. However, the Lunar Probe has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams. This means that the Lunar Probe requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly faster typing experience on the Lunar Probe compared to the Swift. Overall, both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. The Lunar Probe has a shorter travel distance compared to the Swift, making it ideal for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Swift provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Lunar Probe offering a shorter distance and the Swift providing a slightly longer one. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on 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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $3.45.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, the Lunar Probe is praised for its subtle and smooth sound signature, which is enhanced by the novel dual rail mechanism for stable keypresses. On the other hand, the Swift switch is known for producing a deeper sound profile due to its full nylon housings, creating a more muffled and delicate typing experience. While the Lunar Probe offers a quieter and more subdued sound, the Swift provides a unique clacky and percussive sound that stands out among other linear switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is said to offer a smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, providing a consistent typing experience with minimal friction. Meanwhile, the HMX Swift switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering a light actuation force that is gentle on the fingers and reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience, with the Lunar Probe focusing on smoothness and stability, while the Swift offers a light and effortless feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lunar Probe excels in providing a smooth and stable typing experience with a subtle sound signature, while the Swift stands out with a deeper sound profile and a light, easy-to-press feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preference for sound and typing feel, as both switches are designed to enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you value a silky smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch with its 50g bottom out force may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile and a light actuation force for effortless typing, the HMX Swift switch with its nylon housings and 42g actuation force might be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider your own typing experience and preferences when making a decision.
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