TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Luciola. The Gold Red is known for its buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, making it a delight for those who value a seamless and effortless keystroke. Its snappy sound profile adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Luciola stands out with its glow-in-the-dark feature, making it not only aesthetically appealing but also functional in dimly lit environments. This switch offers a medium heft, providing a satisfyingly smooth and bouncy typing feel. Its "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile adds a unique auditory experience to your keyboard. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Standard
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 housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Luciola switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both provide a higher-pitched sound, the Gold Red's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper tone, while the Luciola's INK blend provides a slightly softer click.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Gold Red features a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Luciola incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which offers a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound of the switch, with the Gold Red's nylon housing providing a deeper tone, and the Luciola's INK blend offering a slightly crisper and clackier sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the switches provide different impacts on sound, they both contribute to the overall sound profile when typing. Pressing down on a switch will primarily convey the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The Gold Red's nylon bottom housing will result in a deeper and fuller sound upon pressing, while the Luciola's INK blend will offer a slightly sharper and more pointed sensation. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when letting go of a key. The Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing will create a sharper and more resonant sound, while the Luciola's INK blend will deliver a clacky and satisfying tone upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, we can see some clear differences. The actuation force of the Gold Red is lighter, at 43 grams, compared to the Luciola's 55 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Gold Red is lighter at 50 grams, while the Luciola requires a slightly heavier 60 grams to bottom out.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red would be the better choice, as it requires less force to activate the keystroke. This can be beneficial for those who type for long periods of time, as it reduces the strain on the fingers and allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue.
On the other hand, the Luciola offers a slightly heavier push feel, which can provide a more substantial typing experience. This may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance and tactile feedback while typing. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Luciola can give a satisfying sensation with each keystroke, providing a sense of precision and control.
Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference. If a lighter typing experience is desired, the Gold Red would be the suitable option. However, for those who prefer a heavier and more substantial typing feel, the Luciola would be the better choice. Regardless of the switch chosen, both will provide reliable actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring similar results for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, we can see that the Gold Red has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Luciola has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Gold Red falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, whereas the Luciola is on the shallower end. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Therefore, if you are looking for a more responsive experience, the shorter travel distance of the Luciola may be the better option. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt and prefer a deeper key press. In such cases, the Gold Red with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched qualities. These switches produce a deep, satisfying sound when pressed and released, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a clacky, chirpy, and marbly sound profile. The sound is sharp, crisp, and resonant, with a high-pitched tone. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that add personality to your typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. For those who prefer a moderate and rich sound, the Gold Red would be a great choice, while those who prefer a sharper and more vibrant sound might lean towards the Luciola switches.
Moving onto feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished. These switches offer a gentle and smooth typing experience, with a refined finish that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness. They have a moderate typing feel and are suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for being snappy, buttery, and polished. These switches are super responsive, providing a fluid and effortless keystroke experience. They offer a seamless and uniform typing sensation, thanks to their longer or dual-staged springs. Both switches provide a pleasant and comfortable typing experience, with the Gold Red offering a more gentle feel and the Luciola offering a more lively and responsive feel. Again, it's important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between the two.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red provides a thocky, low-pitched sound with a mild and silky feel, while the Luciola offers a clacky, chirpy, marbly sound with a snappy and buttery feel. Both switches have a smooth typing experience and a polished finish. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose between a more moderate and refined typing experience with the Gold Red or a more responsive and vibrant typing experience with the Luciola. It's important to consider not only the sound and feel but also other factors such as typing style, board compatibility, and keycap preferences to make the best choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, which produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Gold Red switches are described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, ensuring a gentle and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium heft and a unique sound profile, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer an eye-catching glow in the dark feature and a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, the Luciola switches are described as snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a super responsive and fluid keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red and Gateron Luciola switches depends on your preferred level of resistance, sound profile, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
