TTC Gold Pink vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Gold Pink and Gateron Luciola are two popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Gold Pink is a linear switch with a mere 37g actuation force, making it incredibly light and effortless to type on. It is particularly favored by those who value a fast and responsive typing experience, making it perfect for tasks that require rapid typing or intense gaming. Additionally, the Gold Pinks offer a satisfying level of feedback, thanks to their distinct and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola is a linear switch that stands out for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature. Although it possesses a slightly heavier keystroke feel compared to the Gold Pink, the Luciola still offers a smooth and bouncy typing experience. Its hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile adds a unique touch to every keystroke. The Luciola switch also incorporates several other delightful qualities such as a snappy, clacky, and high-pitched feel. Overall, these switches both have their own set of desirable characteristics. 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
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Luciola have contrasting materials used in their top housing. The Gold Pink utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Luciola features Gateron's proprietary INK blend, which offers a relatively high-pitched and less sharp sound. This blend is known for its satisfying clacky sound that is not overly sharp. While both materials contribute to a distinct sound profile, the Luciola's INK blend top housing provides a unique and owned sound experience, unlike the Gold Pink's polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Pink and the Luciola differ in their material choices. The Gold Pink employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Luciola utilizes Gateron's INK blend for its bottom housing as well. Similar to its top housing, this proprietary blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, with a satisfying clacky feel. Although the materials differ, both switches offer distinct sound profiles through their bottom housing, with the Gold Pink emphasizing a deeper tone and the Luciola focusing on a higher-pitched clacky sound.
When it comes to the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall switch experience, the Gold Pink and the Luciola diverge in their effects. With the Gold Pink, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Its nylon material absorbs more sound, contributing to a softer bottom-out experience. Conversely, the top housing of the Gold Pink affects the sound when releasing a key. In contrast, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend is responsible for both the bottom-out sound and feel. The blend delivers a thin and higher-pitched clacky sound, providing a unique typing experience compared to the Gold Pink. Therefore, while both switches have different impacts of their top and bottom housings, they result in distinct typing experiences that cater to varied preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Pink switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, meaning it requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Luciola switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This difference in actuation force can result in a noticeably different typing experience, with those who prefer a lighter touch gravitating towards the Gold Pink switch and those who prefer a stronger push leaning towards the Luciola switch.
Similarly, when considering the bottom out force, the Gold Pink switch has a relatively light force of 45 grams, which means it does not require much effort to press the keys all the way down. On the other hand, the Luciola switch has a stronger bottom out force of 60 grams. This heavier force might provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a firmer and more satisfying keystroke.
In terms of weight, the Gold Pink switch boasts lighter actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Luciola switch. This lighter weight can be advantageous for prolonged typing sessions and is particularly ideal for bringing to a workplace or for extended gaming sessions. However, if a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience are desired, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Luciola switch may be more suitable.
In summary, the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Pink and Gateron Luciola switches differ significantly. The Gold Pink switch offers lighter forces for both actuation and bottoming out, providing a lighter and potentially more effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Luciola switch requires more force for actuation and bottoming out, resulting in a stronger and more substantial typing feel. Consideration of these force differences is crucial for selecting the most suitable switch based on individual typing preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Luciola has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Gold Pink's 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, offering a deeper key press sensation compared to the Luciola's shallower 3.6mm travel distance. This makes the Gold Pink switch more suitable for those who prefer a hearty depth when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Luciola's shorter travel distance appeals to gamers and individuals seeking faster response times. Choosing the switch with the shorter travel distance will provide a more responsive typing experience. In conclusion, while both switches offer a different travel distance, they cater to different preferences, with the Gold Pink offering a deeper press and the Luciola providing a quicker response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 TTC Gold Pink linear switch is best known for its clacky sound. This means that when pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a hollow sound profile that is likened to a "can of spray paint being shaken." While it is not explicitly mentioned, it can be inferred that the Luciola switch does not produce the same clacky sound as the Gold Pink switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, the Gold Pink switch offers a distinct and lively sound profile, while the Luciola switch has its own unique hollow sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Pink switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These descriptors suggest that the typing experience with the Gold Pink switch is smooth, gentle, light, and refined. The switch provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, while also reducing finger fatigue due to its light actuation force. On the other hand, the Luciola switch is described as snappy, buttery, and polished. This implies that the typing feel with the Luciola switch is super responsive, smooth, and fluid. The switch offers a lively and uniform typing sensation, and its polished finish ensures a sleek and enjoyable typing experience. While there may be differences in their specific characteristics, both switches provide a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, albeit with their own unique qualities.
Taking into account all the available information, it is clear that the TTC Gold Pink and Gateron Luciola linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Pink switch is known for its clackiness and lively sound profile, while providing a buttery, feathery, and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Luciola switch has a hollow sound profile reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can, with a snappy and buttery typing feel. While each switch has its own distinct characteristics, if a user wants a light and lively typing experience, they would find similar qualities with the Gold Pink switch, while those looking for a smooth and responsive typing feel would enjoy the Luciola switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's personal preferences and the specific typing experience they are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and effortless typing experience, especially for rapid typing or gaming, then the TTC Gold Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams and a 37g actuation force, these switches offer a fast and smooth typing experience. They also provide a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound, making typing more enjoyable.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium heft and a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a unique glowing effect in the dark, then the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a better option for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches offer a medium weight typing experience. They also produce a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, which adds an interesting auditory element to your typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Gold Pink switch has a sound profile that is not explicitly described but is likely to be lighter and less sharp compared to the Luciola switch. On the other hand, the Luciola switch is described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, offering a unique and more pronounced sound profile.
When it comes to the feel of typing, the Gold Pink switch is described as being buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. This means that it offers a smooth, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with reduced finger fatigue. The Luciola switch, on the other hand, is described as snappy, buttery, and polished. This implies a more responsive typing experience with smooth and fluid keystrokes.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and visual aesthetics. Consider whether you prioritize lightness and clacky feedback, or medium weight with a bouncy feel and a glowing effect.
Mentioned in this article
