Gateron CM vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron CM and the Gateron Luciola mechanical keyboard switches, there are a few key differences to consider. The CM switches are best known for their bold nylon housing, which not only delivers a richer and deeper sound signature but also provides a smoother typing experience. With an impeccable factory lube job and a lengthened, dual-staged spring, these switches offer an effortless gliding sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Luciola switches are eye-catching as they glow in the dark, adding a unique aesthetic element to your keyboard setup. They offer a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing feel, accompanied by a distinctive hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and priorities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CM and Gateron Luciola switches exhibit notable differences in sound profiles. The CM switch utilizes a classic nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Luciola switch employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. This material produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, although it is not overly sharp. Users often describe the sound as "clacky", providing a satisfying and thin higher-pitched sound.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the CM and Luciola switches differ in material composition, leading to variations in sound profiles. The CM switch features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Luciola switch incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This material produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, enhancing the thin and higher-pitched clacky sound that is often associated with the Luciola switch.
In cases where the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the characteristics of each housing material will manifest in distinct ways. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be nylon or Gateron's INK blend, will be felt. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the sound and feel when bottoming out a key. Conversely, the top housing, which could be nylon or Gateron's INK blend, will contribute more to the sound produced when releasing a key. These differences in housing materials contribute to variations in sound profile and overall typing experience between the Gateron CM and the Gateron Luciola switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have an actuation force of 55 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This ensures that users will get similar results in terms of responsiveness and speed when using either switch. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a distinction between the two switches. The Gateron CM has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the actuation force. This provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is closer to the actuation force and can be considered a medium force. This lighter bottom out force may be preferred by those who value longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without experiencing hand fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference and the desired typing experience – whether it be a heavier or lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the CM or the Luciola will depend on other factors such as the switches' actuation force, sound signature, or additional features. However, in terms of travel distance specifically, you can expect similar results from both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The lower frequency range of these switches creates a sense of depth and richness that is akin to bass tones. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound. The sound is sharp, crisp, and bright, providing a percussive quality when pressed. The Luciola switches also have a marbly acoustic signature and a chirpy aspect to their sound. Overall, the CM switches offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Luciola switches have a sharper and crisper sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, effortlessly gliding and melting into each key press. The CM switches are well-known for their seamless and effortless typing journey. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a snappy, buttery, and polished typing feel. These switches are super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs that make the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the Luciola switches provide a sleek and refined typing experience, reducing friction and offering smooth key travel. Both switches offer smooth and fluid keystrokes, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The CM switch offers a deeper, richer, and bassy sound, complemented by a buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola switch provides a sharp, crisp, and high-pitched sound, along with a snappy, buttery, and polished typing feel. While the two switches have different characteristics, they both offer smooth and fluid keystrokes. Therefore, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, you can expect a comparable typing experience regardless of your choice between the Gateron CM or Luciola linear switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are a few factors to consider.
If you prioritize a richer and deeper sound profile, the CM switches would be a great choice. With their full nylon housings and impeccable factory lube job, these switches offer a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound during key presses. The CM switches deliver a smooth and buttery typing experience, thanks to their lengthened, dual-staged spring. Typing on these switches feels like gliding gracefully with each keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless sensation.
On the other hand, if you are looking for eye-catching switches that glow in the dark, the Luciola switches would be a great option. While they may not offer the same depth in sound as the CM switches, the Luciola switches produce a clacky and chirpy sound when pressed. They also provide a snappy and buttery typing experience, making each keystroke feel responsive and fluid.
Ultimately, the choice between the CM and Luciola switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a deeper sound with a smooth typing experience, go for the CM switches. If you prefer a unique, eye-catching design with a snappy typing feel, the Luciola switches are the way to go.
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