Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Gateron Luciola mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features for different preferences. The Jupiter Red stands out for its smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, medium-heavy actuation, and high-precision molds, providing a seamless and consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola switches are known for their eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and distinctive sound profile. While the Jupiter Reds offer a polished and creamy typing experience, the Luciola switches provide a snappy and clacky feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$2.80 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Gateron Luciola, one notable difference is in their top housing material. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Luciola uses a proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointier and relatively high-pitched sound profile described as clacky. While both materials aim to provide a clear and resonant sound, they differ in the specific characteristics they bring to the typing experience.

When it comes to the bottom housing material, the Jupiter Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. With nylon being a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing maintains the pointed and high-pitched sound profile, contributing to a clacky typing experience. While both materials influence the sound and feel of typing on the switches, the choice between nylon and INK blend bottom housings may depend on personal preferences for sound and feedback.

Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Gateron Luciola results in unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While the top housing materials – polycarbonate for the Jupiter Red and proprietary INK blend for the Luciola – contribute to the overall sound profile, the bottom housing materials – nylon for the Jupiter Red and proprietary INK blend for the Luciola – play a significant role in how the switches feel when pressed down. Whether one prefers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile or a clackier typing experience may influence the choice between these two switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that there are slight differences between the two. The Jupiter Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Luciola's 55 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in that aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Jupiter Red, as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may find the Luciola more suitable due to its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with weight playing a significant factor in determining the ideal switch for extended typing or gaming sessions.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Jupiter Red has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly deeper and more satisfying keystroke for some users. On the other hand, the Luciola offers a shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quick and precise key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Both switches provide excellent performance, but the Jupiter Red offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Luciola.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users, at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch provides a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, offering a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. 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.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is described as polished, creamy, silky, and mild, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a gentle typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a snappy, buttery, and polished typing feel, characterized by super responsiveness, smooth and fluid keystrokes, and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience.

Taking all the available information into account, it's clear that both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Luciola linear switches have their own unique qualities to offer. While the Jupiter Red provides a consistent and medium-heavy actuation with a seamless typing experience and softer backlight effects, the Luciola stands out with its glowing feature and bouncy typing feel accompanied by a distinctive sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both options provide high-quality and smooth typing experiences.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a seamless and consistent typing feel with softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an eye-catching switch that glows in the dark, offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel, and produces a unique sound profile like clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched, then the Luciola may be the switch that suits your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and how you want your keyboard experience to be.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more