TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Luciola both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Light Cloud V2 is praised for its silent operation and refined typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a gentle and nuanced feel while typing. On the other hand, the Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and provides a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a distinct sound profile. While the Light Cloud V2 leans towards being mild and easy-to-press, the Luciola offers a snappy and clacky typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The Light Cloud V2 and Gateron Luciola both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Light Cloud V2 utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend housing material is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is satisfyingly thin and clacky. This difference in sound profile highlights the varying qualities that different housing materials can bring to mechanical switches.
While both the Light Cloud V2 and Gateron Luciola share a similar top housing material, their bottom housings set them apart in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Light Cloud V2 contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. In comparison, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola adds to its high-pitched and clacky sound, providing a unique and satisfying typing sensation. This difference in bottom housing materials showcases how variations in materials can impact the overall performance and sound of mechanical switches.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Light Cloud V2 and Gateron Luciola result in distinct typing experiences. The nylon housing of the Light Cloud V2 creates a softer and deeper sound profile, while the proprietary INK blend housing of the Luciola produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Whether it be the top or bottom housing, each material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing feel and sound of these mechanical switches. Despite their differing housing materials, both switches offer unique and desirable qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that the Light Cloud V2 is lighter in both categories. The Light Cloud V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall under the medium category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 would be the more suitable option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance and a stronger push feel may lean towards the Luciola switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users seeking quick response times, especially gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper feel when typing, the Luciola may be the preferred choice. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional options, providing a balance between speed and tactile feedback for users to choose according to their preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 TTC Light Cloud V2 is known for its muted and neutral sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola is more characterized by its clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound, giving a more unique and percussive auditory feedback during typing sessions. Depending on personal preference, the Light Cloud V2 offers a more subdued and understated sound, while the Luciola delivers a more lively and distinct typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Light Cloud V2 is described as offering a mild, easy-to-press, and feathery typing experience. These characteristics make it ideal for users seeking a gentle typing feel with minimal finger fatigue during extended usage. Conversely, the Gateron Luciola is known for its snappy, buttery, and polished feel, providing a responsive and smooth keystroke experience that enhances typing efficiency and comfort. While the Light Cloud V2 focuses on a light and effortless typing feel, the Luciola switches embody a more refined and responsive tactile sensation.
Overall, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch prioritizes a delicate, muted sound and a mild, easy-to-press feel, ideal for users who prefer a gentle typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola linear switch shines with its unique glowing feature and a more vibrant, clacky sound profile, along with a snappy and polished typing feel. Each switch caters to different preferences, offering distinct characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience based on individual needs and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Light Cloud V2 and Gateron Luciola switches will depend on whether one values a softer and refined typing experience or a more lively and responsive typing feel with a distinct sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Luciola linear switches, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you value a muted and neutral sound profile with a mild, easy-to-press typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky, chirpy sound with a snappy and buttery typing feel, the Luciola switches could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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