KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

Comparing and contrasting the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Luciola mechanical keyboard switches reveals two distinct options with unique features. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that strikes a delicate balance between a light touch and crisp actuation. Its tactile feedback is noticeable yet not overwhelming, offering a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola switch stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, making it visually appealing. It offers a medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing feel. Additionally, users can expect a distinctive hollow sound profile reminiscent of a "can of spray paint being shaken." While the Ash Gray switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Luciola switch is characterized as 'Snappy', 'Clacky', 'Chirpy', 'Marbly', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your preferences and requirements.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

Gateron Luciola Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

Comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Luciola, we can see that they both have unique characteristics that contribute to their sound profile. The Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its relatively stiffer plastic. This leads to a more resonant sound profile, perfect for those who desire a clear and higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing is also high-pitched but has a slightly less sharp sound. Referred to as "clacky," it offers a satisfying thin and pointed sound. Therefore, while both switches provide a higher-pitched sound, the Ash Gray's polycarbonate housing is known for a sharper profile, whereas the Luciola's housing is more characterized as clacky.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ash Gray utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material that provides a deeper and fuller sound. With its softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile. This is an excellent choice for those seeking a switch with a deeper and resonant sound. Similarly, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing has a relatively high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound. While both bottom housings contribute to a high-pitched sound, the Ash Gray's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Luciola's INK blend provides a thinner sound that is still satisfyingly high-pitched.

In summary, the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Luciola have similarities and differences. Both switches offer higher-pitched sound profiles, but the Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a slightly less sharp but still clacky sound. In terms of the bottom housing, the Ash Gray's nylon material absorbs more sound, giving it a rounder and deeper sound profile, whereas the Luciola's INK blend provides a high-pitched, yet not overly sharp sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the specific sound qualities that one prefers.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Luciola requires a slightly heavier force of 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Ash Gray has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Luciola's 60 grams.

Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Ash Gray more suitable, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it a good choice for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Luciola offers a stronger push feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more substantial typing experience. This may be favored by individuals who prefer a tactile feedback with a bit more resistance.

It is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. If a light or heavy typing experience is not a priority, using either switch will yield similar results, with the main difference being the tactile feel and resistance they provide. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Luciola depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it can be observed that the Ash Gray has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm, while the Luciola has a slightly longer distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, prefer these shorter distances for quicker response times. Opting for the shorter travel distance would provide a more responsive typing experience. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and may prefer switches with a longer travel distance for a greater sense of depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for either a quicker response or a more substantial keypress feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch offers a variety of sound profiles including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. These switches produce sharp and crisp sounds when pressed, and each profile has its own unique acoustic signature. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is known for its easy-to-press characteristic. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Ash Gray switch is also described as having a mild typing experience, which means it offers a gentle typing feel without any pronounced characteristics. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch is known for being snappy, which means it is super responsive and gives a lively typing experience. It also has a buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Luciola switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that offers reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Based on the available information, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ash Gray switch has a neutral sound profile and offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola switch offers a variety of sound profiles including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, and delivers a snappy, buttery, and polished typing feel. While the Ash Gray switch provides a light touch with a crisp actuation and a blend of tactile feedback, the Luciola switch offers medium heft and a smooth and bouncy typing feel. It's important to consider these differences and choose the switch that best suits your preferences and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a delightful blend of tactile feedback, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is a great choice for you. It offers a light touch with a crisp actuation, making typing effortless and comfortable. The Ash Gray switch is best suited for those who prefer a tactile typing experience that is not too overwhelming but still noticeable. It is also described as easy-to-press and mild, providing a low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and unique sound characteristics, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is an excellent option. It is known for its eye-catching glow in the dark feature and offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel. The Luciola switch is described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched in sound, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. It is also described as snappy, buttery, and polished in feel, providing a super responsive and fluid keystroke experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a subtle tactile feedback and an easy-to-press typing feel, the Ash Gray switch is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a unique sound profile and a snappy, buttery typing feel, the Luciola switch will be a great fit. Consider your typing preferences and the typing experience you desire before making your decision. In the end, both switches offer their own unique qualities and will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more