Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Luciola offer unique characteristics that may appeal to different users. The Ink Yellow is renowned for its shorter travel, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With its smoothness and clackiness, it offers a pleasant tactile feel. On the other hand, the Luciola switches stand out with their eye-catching glow in the dark feature. These switches have a medium heft and provide a smooth and bouncy typing feel, accompanied by a distinctive hollow sound profile resembling a can of spray paint being shaken. While these general descriptors can be helpful, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Luciola switches both feature the proprietary INK blend for their top and bottom housings. This means that they have similar characteristics in terms of sound profile. Both switches produce a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described by users as being clacky. Whether you use the Ink Yellow or the Luciola, you can expect to receive similar results in terms of sound when typing.

However, where the two switches differ is in the housing material used for their top and bottom housings. While the information provided does not specify the exact materials used, it is clear that Gateron has designed different housings for each switch. This suggests that they might have distinct characteristics that affect the overall typing experience.

The bottom housing of a switch, which typically makes contact with the keyboard plate or PCB, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Consequently, the material used in the bottom housing of the Ink Yellow and Luciola switches may result in slightly different tactile sensations when typing. This could affect the perceived feedback and overall satisfaction during use.

On the other hand, the top housing of a switch primarily influences the sound when someone releases a key. Since Gateron describes the sound profile of both the Ink Yellow and the Luciola as being relatively high-pitched and not overly sharp, it is likely that the difference in the top housing material will have a minimal impact on the overall sound experience of these switches.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Luciola switches have similar sound profiles due to their proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing materials. The potential differences lie in the specific materials used for the top and bottom housings, which may result in varying tactile sensations when typing. However, the impact of these differences on the overall sound output is expected to be minimal.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are several notable differences. The Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams, slightly heavier than the Luciola's 55 grams. This means that the Ink Yellow will require a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. As for the bottom out force, the Ink Yellow again takes the lead with 67 grams, whereas the Luciola requires 60 grams. This indicates that the Ink Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires more force to fully press down.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Luciola with its lower actuation and bottom out forces would be the more suitable choice. The lighter force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for tasks that require extended keyboard use, such as working or gaming for extended periods. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more solid and deliberate key press would lean towards the Ink Yellow. Its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, resulting in a satisfying and substantial typing experience.

Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, allowing users to customize their keyboard to their preferred typing style. Regardless of which switch is chosen, they both offer reliable and responsive keystrokes, ensuring a pleasant typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it becomes apparent that the Luciola has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although the difference between the two may seem minimal, it can have an impact on the overall experience and personal preference. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm is considered shallow. In recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. For those seeking greater responsiveness, the Ink Yellow may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, some individuals may perceive shorter travel distances as too abrupt or lacking in depth. In such cases, the Luciola, with its slightly longer travel distance, may be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is known for its shorter travel distance, which provides a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard. It offers a pleasant smoothness and produces a clacky sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature. It has a medium heft and offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel. The sound profile of the Luciola switch is described as a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound.

Comparing the sound qualities, the Ink Yellow switch is classified as neutral and clacky. A neutral switch has a moderate actuation force and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you're using it at home or work. The clacky nature of the switch results in a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive.

Similarly, the Luciola switch also falls into the clacky category, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. In addition, it is described as chirpy, with a little squeak to it. The sound profile of the Luciola switch can also be characterized as marbly, resonant, high-pitched, and clean. It is reminiscent of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. This switch offers a higher-pitched sound compared to others, which is an advantage for those who prefer crisp and sharp tones over richer and bassier profiles.

Moving on to the feel, the Ink Yellow switch is considered mild and polished. It offers a gentle and approachable typing experience, suitable for most users. The polish of the switch results in a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and providing a sleek typing experience.

Similarly, the Luciola switch is described as snappy, indicating its super responsiveness. This responsiveness is often achieved through longer or dual-staged springs, enhancing the feeling of liveliness during typing. In terms of feel, the Luciola switch is also classified as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The uniformity of the typing sensation makes it effortless and seamless. Like the Ink Yellow switch, the Luciola switch is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering the available information, the Gateron Ink Yellow and Luciola linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Ink Yellow provides a clacky sound and a smooth, polished feel, catering to those who prefer a typing experience between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Luciola stands out with its glow-in-the-dark feature, a medium heft, a clacky sound, and a snappy, buttery, and polished feel. While they differ in these aspects, both switches offer pleasant experiences in their own right. If you are looking for similar results, you can expect a smooth and polished feel from both switches, although the Luciola switch provides added features such as its unique glow and distinct sound profiles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel that is pleasant and smooth. It provides a clacky sound profile, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The Ink Yellow is also characterized as having a mild feel, which offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most. Additionally, it features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you want a visually striking switch that glows in the dark, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is a great option. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a medium feel that is smooth and bouncy. It produces a clacky sound when pressed, which adds to the overall typing experience. The Luciola switch is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing feel. Similar to the Ink Yellow, it also boasts a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Luciola linear switches depends on your preferences for typing experience and visual aesthetics. If you value a typing experience that bridges the gap between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, along with a medium-heavy feel and clacky sound, the Ink Yellow is the way to go. However, if you want a visually striking switch that glows in the dark, with a medium feel, clacky sound, and snappy typing feel, then the Luciola switch is the better option for you.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more