Kailh Box White vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

We are pleased to introduce two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits for different user preferences. On one hand, the Kailh Box White switch is a clicky switch known for its maximum audio feedback. Typing on these switches provides a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and a pronounced tactility. Categorized as resonant, high-pitched, crunchy, and polished, the Box White switch is perfect for those who appreciate a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature. These switches offer a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing feel. With a sound profile reminiscent of a "can of spray paint being shaken," the Luciola switch is categorized as snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished. Both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

Gateron Luciola Linear

$2.76 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box White and the Gateron Luciola switches have different housing materials, which contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Luciola utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. While both materials produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, the Box White's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Luciola's INK blend offers a satisfyingly clacky sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a desirable option for those interested in visual aesthetics.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Box White employs a nylon material, while the Luciola implements Gateron's proprietary INK blend. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer and more sound-absorbent nature. On the other hand, the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing complements its top housing by contributing to the switch's pointed and high-pitched sound, without becoming overly sharp. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Box White offering a duller and rounder sound, while the Luciola maintains its clacky characteristic.

When it comes to the overall feel and sound of the switch, the top and bottom housings play significant roles. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, making it a crucial factor in determining the typing experience. In contrast, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a pressed key. Thus, while both the Kailh Box White and Gateron Luciola have different housing materials for their top and bottom, they each contribute unique qualities to the switch's overall sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are some differences to note. The Kailh Box White has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which fall into the medium range. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams but shares the same bottom out force of 60 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kailh Box White may be the preferred option as its lower actuation force allows for longer periods of typing without strain. This makes it ideal for those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in long gaming sessions.

However, for individuals who desire a more substantial typing feel and enjoy a stronger push, the Gateron Luciola with its slightly heavier actuation force may be a better choice. The 55 grams of force required to trigger a keystroke provides a tactile feedback that some find more satisfying.

It is worth noting that both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams, meaning that once the keys are fully pressed down, the typing experience will be similar in terms of force required. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch will depend on personal preference for weight, and whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.

Travel distance

Both the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users can expect similar results and experiences when typing or gaming with either switch. Both switches offer a satisfying keystroke with their respective clicky and linear characteristics, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box White clicky switch is best known for providing maximum audio feedback with a distinct sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and an accented tactility. The sound is resonant, with a clean and sharp quality. It has a higher-pitched sound profile, which creates an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is eye-catching with glowing properties in the dark. These switches offer a medium heft and a smooth and bouncy typing feel. The sound profile is described as a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound. It is clacky and snappy, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. It also has a bit of a squeak to it, giving it a unique acoustic signature. The Luciola is also resonant and high-pitched, providing a clean and sharp sound similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. Both switches offer different sound and feel characteristics, catering to different preferences and typing experiences.

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White offers a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy experience. This produces a sharp and crisp sound that emulates stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola provides a clacky, chirpy, and marbly sound. This creates a sharp, snappy, and slightly squeaky sound, akin to tapping on a piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. While the sound profiles of both switches differ, they both produce high-pitched and sharp sounds, appealing to those who enjoy a more crisp and bright audio feedback.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White offers a polished switch with a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola features snappy, buttery, and polished switches. These switches are super responsive, giving a more lively typing experience. They also provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Both switches offer a level of smoothness and refinement, elevating the typing feel to a satisfying level.

Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and Gateron Luciola linear switch provide different sound and feel experiences. The Box White emphasizes maximum audio feedback, with a resonant sound and an accented tactility. On the other hand, the Luciola showcases a unique acoustic signature with a distinct hollow sound and a smooth and bouncy typing feel. While they have their own characteristics, both switches offer high-pitched and sharp sounds, as well as polished and refined typing experiences. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose between the crisp and crunchy feel of the Box White or the snappy and buttery feel of the Luciola. Ultimately, these switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring a satisfactory typing experience for newcomers seeking a mechanical keyboard switch upgrade.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who values maximum audio feedback and enjoys a unique tactile experience when typing, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is the perfect choice for you. With its "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility, you will truly feel and hear every keystroke. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Box White will provide you with a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a visually striking switch that glows in the dark, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the way to go. Not only do these switches offer a medium heft and smooth, bouncy typing feel, but they also produce a hollow and distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. Furthermore, if you desire a switch that is snappy and super responsive, or if you appreciate a buttery smooth and fluid keystroke experience, the Luciola switch will exceed your expectations. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and visual aesthetics.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

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Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more