Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Luciola are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics for discerning mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its blend of materials, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a delightfully creamy yet lightweight switch that offers a slightly textured feel right out of the box. Ideal for hand-lubing enthusiasts, the Keygeek Raw is categorized as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola catches the eye with its glow-in-the-dark feature and offers a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a distinct sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. Categorized as snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished, the Luciola provides a different typing experience compared to the Keygeek Raw. 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Luciola both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Keygeek Raw uses a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, while the Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend. Both switches aim to produce a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, known for being clacky. However, the Keygeek Raw's blend is exclusive to their switches, while the Luciola's blend is unique to Gateron.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw incorporates a UMPE & Si blend, while the Gateron Luciola features the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing. The bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. Both switches aim to provide a distinct and enjoyable typing experience, with the Keygeek Raw and the Luciola focusing on creating a sound profile that is satisfying and not overly sharp. Despite the differences in materials, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience.
While the housing materials for the Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Luciola differ, they both aim to enhance the sound profile and overall typing experience of the switch. The Keygeek Raw's exclusive Nylon & UPE blend and UMPE & Si blend offer a unique combination for both top and bottom housing, while the Luciola's proprietary INK blend is consistent throughout. Both switches prioritize a thin and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate the auditory feedback of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, whether you choose the Keygeek Raw or the Gateron Luciola, you can expect a similar level of sound quality and typing satisfaction.
Weight
In comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch to the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that the Keygeek Raw has a lower actuation force of None grams compared to the Luciola's 55 grams. This means that the Keygeek Raw may feel lighter and more responsive when typing. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw has a slightly heavier force of 57.5 grams compared to the Luciola's 60 grams. This means that while the Keygeek Raw may feel lighter to actuate, it may provide a more substantial typing experience when bottoming out compared to the Luciola. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would come down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces. With the Keygeek Raw being lighter in actuation force and slightly heavier in bottom out force, users may experience a more varied typing experience compared to the more consistent feel of the Luciola.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. This means that the Luciola has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Keygeek Raw. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for quicker response times. If you prioritize a faster and more responsive typing experience, you may prefer the Keygeek Raw with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth and tactile feedback when typing, the Luciola with its slightly longer travel distance might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, providing a distinct and percussive typing experience. The choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound, with the Keygeek Raw offering a more versatile option and the Luciola delivering a unique and striking auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch is described as textured, mild, and subtle, offering users a slightly textured feel right out of the box and a gentle typing experience that can be suitable for shared spaces. Conversely, the Gateron Luciola linear switch provides a snappy, buttery, and polished typing feel, giving users a responsive and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on preference, users may lean towards the Keygeek Raw for a more subtle and approachable typing experience, or the Luciola for a more lively and polished feel.
Overall, while the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch differ in terms of sound and feel, both options offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prioritize a versatile sound profile and textured feel with the Keygeek Raw, or a distinct auditory experience and responsive, polished typing feel with the Luciola, both switches can provide an enjoyable and customizable mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, your decision between the two will depend on your individual preferences in sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider your preferences for switch material and feel. If you appreciate a unique material blend and a slightly textured feel right out of the box, along with a creamy yet lightweight typing experience, the Keygeek Raw may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to eye-catching switches that glow in the dark, with a smooth and bouncy typing feel and a distinct sound profile described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched, the Gateron Luciola might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual preferences for material, feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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