Gateron Luciola vs. KTT Mallo

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Luciola, a linear switch, and the KTT Mallo, a tactile switch, you are presented with two distinct options for your mechanical keyboard. The Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and offers a medium heft, smooth typing experience, and a unique sound profile. On the other hand, the Mallo is praised for its subtle tactility, medium-light typing feel, and neutral sound signature. While the Luciola provides a snappy and clacky typing experience, the Mallo offers a feathery and subdued feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. 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 Luciola Linear

KTT Mallo Tactile

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Luciola and the KTT Mallo both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend material for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and higher-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Mallo features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch. On the other hand, the Mallo's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing, as nylon is a softer material that absorbs more sound.

While the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Mallo provide distinct characteristics to the switches, they ultimately serve to enhance the overall typing experience in unique ways. The Luciola's INK blend top and bottom housing contribute to a consistent high-pitched and clacky sound profile, offering a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a sharper sound. In comparison, the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and rounder sound quality to the switch. This contrast highlights how different housing materials can influence the sound and feel of a switch.

However, despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Mallo, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. The use of proprietary materials such as the INK blend in the Luciola and polycarbonate in the Mallo showcases the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into designing mechanical switches. While the sound profiles may vary slightly due to the differences in housing materials, both switches ultimately offer a premium typing experience that is tailored to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. In conclusion, whether it's the clacky sound of the Luciola or the clearer sound of the Mallo, users can expect top-notch performance from these innovative mechanical switches.

Weight

Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch reveals some key differences. The Luciola has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Mallo, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Mallo has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Luciola has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Luciola may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force, while the Mallo might feel lighter and more responsive during keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether one prefers a heavier push feel or a lighter touch for typing or gaming purposes. Both switches offer medium to medium-light forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing efficiency and activation response.

Travel distance

The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Mallo has a longer travel distance compared to the Luciola. The Mallo offers a slightly deeper press, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial key feel. On the other hand, the Luciola provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a suitable option for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Luciola being slightly shorter and the Mallo being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its clacky and chirpy sound profile, which can be described as sharp and snappy with a unique squeak. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch features a neutral and subdued sound, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. When comparing the two switches based on sound alone, the Luciola will provide a more distinct and lively typing experience, while the Mallo will offer a more subtle and versatile sound signature.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Luciola switch is described as snappy and buttery, providing a responsive and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch offers a feathery and mild feel, with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. The differences in feel between the two switches suggest that the Luciola will excel in responsiveness and fluidity, while the Mallo will prioritize comfort and ease of typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the typing experience desired.

Overall, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Luciola excels in providing a lively and bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, while the Mallo offers a more subtle and gentle typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so selecting between them will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Regardless of the choice made, both switches guarantee a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience that will enhance your typing journey.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a unique and visually appealing switch with a medium bottom out force and a distinct sound profile, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile feedback, a lighter bottom out force, and a versatile sound profile, the KTT Mallo tactile switch would be a more suitable option for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between the Luciola and the Mallo boils down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetic appeal. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mallo Tactile

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

Learn more