Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

Introducing the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Luciola, two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics that are worth considering. The Ink Box Black is renowned for its smooth and creamy typing experience, bringing to mind the sound of a spray paint can being shaken. It falls under the categories of clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished. On the other hand, the Luciola captures attention with its unique glow-in-the-dark feature. These switches offer a medium heft, providing a typing feel that is both smooth and bouncy. Additionally, their sound profile can be likened to a "can of spray paint being shaken." The Luciola switch boasts qualities such as snappiness, clackiness, chirpiness, marbleness, butteriness, high-pitchiness, and polish. While these general points can help guide your decision, let's delve deeper into the intricacies of each switch to ensure you make the best choice for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Luciola both feature proprietary INK blend housing materials, which are characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This satisfying thin and clacky sound is consistent for both switches. Therefore, in terms of sound, users can expect similar results from both switches.

While the sound profile remains the same, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Luciola may differ in terms of their top and bottom housing materials. If the housings are different, the qualities of each material will affect different aspects of the switch's overall performance. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the two switches may have variations in the feedback and sensation while typing or gaming.

Although specific information about the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Luciola is not provided, it can be assumed that any differences in their housings might lead to subtle variations in the overall typing or gaming experience. However, since both switches use the same INK blend housing, users can expect similar characteristics in terms of sound, such as the pointed and higher-pitched profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for factors like the feel, feedback, and any other distinguishing features they possess.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Firstly, in terms of weight, the Ink Box Black is slightly heavier than the Luciola. The Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of force required. On the other hand, the Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium category.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Luciola switch would be a suitable choice. The lower actuation force allows for a lighter touch, enabling longer typing sessions without feeling fatigued. This lighter actuation force would be particularly suitable for work-related tasks or extended gaming sessions.

On the other hand, if a more substantial and tactile typing experience is preferred, the Ink Box Black switch would be a better option. With a heavier actuation force and bottom out force, the typing experience feels more firm and requires stronger finger exertion. This can provide a satisfying push feel and may suit individuals who enjoy a more robust and pronounced keystroke.

Overall, if comparing the actuation force and bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is slightly heavier than the Gateron Luciola switch. However, both switches offer a range of force options that cater to personal preferences. Whether one prefers a lighter touch or a more substantial typing experience, there is an option available to suit individual needs.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will deliver similar results and offer a consistent typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Luciola linear switches have distinct sound signatures. The Ink Box Black is best known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Luciola offers a combination of clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sounds, setting it apart from other switches. Both switches provide sharp and crisp sounds when pressed, and the final sound experience can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Turning to the feel of the switches, the Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. These switches minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in a smooth and sleek keystroke. On the other hand, the Luciola provides a snappy and buttery feel. The snappiness contributes to a super responsive typing experience, while the buttery quality ensures a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation when typing. Both switches offer a polished finish, promoting reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Luciola linear switches have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black delivers smooth and creamy typing with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Luciola exhibits a bouncy and smooth feel, with a combination of clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sounds. While each switch has its own characteristics, they both share qualities such as a polished finish that enhances typing comfort. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, and by recognizing the similarities and differences between them, one can make an informed decision based on their desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is the way to go. These switches are known for their smoothness and produce a sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and want switches that glow in the dark, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the better option. With their smooth and bouncy typing feel and a sound profile that resembles a can of spray paint being shaken, these switches are eye-catching and unique. Ultimately, the choice between the Ink Box Black and Luciola switches depends on your preference for bottom out force, sound, and overall typing feel. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your desired typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more