Gateron Luciola vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, and two intriguing options from Gateron are the Luciola and the Mars, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Luciola stands out not only for its smooth and bouncy typing feel but also for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, which adds a playful element to any setup. Moreover, the Luciola offers a unique auditory signature reminiscent of a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken," making it a delight for users who appreciate both sound and feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars boasts an innovative design that combines a POK stem with a durable housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which can provide a unique tactile experience and longevity. While the Luciola appeals to those seeking a visually striking and expressive switch, the Mars may be favored by users looking for something innovative and reliable. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and Gateron Mars switches, notable differences emerge between their top housings. The Luciola features Gateron's proprietary INK blend, which is designed to produce a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Users often describe the auditory experience as satisfying and clacky. In contrast, the Mars switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its classic characteristics. Nylon's softer nature results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, contrasting sharply with the higher pitch of the Luciola. Thus, while both switches might share the intent of providing a unique auditory experience, they diverge significantly in the tonal qualities produced by their respective top housing materials.
Examining the bottom housings, the distinctions continue with the Luciola's proprietary INK blend being utilized again, reinforcing the pointed and higher-pitched sound signature that characterizes the switch's audio dynamic. On the other hand, the Mars employs POM for its bottom housing, leading to a more muted, deeper sound. This encapsulates a crucial aspect of switch design: the bottom housing plays a primary role in the auditory feedback given off when the key is bottomed out. The different materials in the bottom housings, therefore, contribute differently to the overall sound experience—the INK blend in the Luciola emphasizes a crisp, high-end finish, while the POM material in the Mars softens the impact, providing a rounder acoustic quality.
Ultimately, the experience of typing on each switch is significantly shaped by the combination of their top and bottom housing materials. In the case of the Gateron Luciola, both housings possess similar INK properties, leading to a consistent clacky sound profile that is both sharp and articulate. Conversely, the Mars's unique combination of nylon and POM yields more of a multi-dimensional auditory experience, with a softer, deeper resonance that presents a stark contrast to the Luciola. While both switches aim to create enjoyable typing experiences, the individual materials employed result in distinctly different sound profiles, showcasing the intricate relationship between housing types and the resulting acoustic characteristics in keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Luciola features a 55-gram actuation force and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, providing a medium typing experience that balances comfort and feedback. In contrast, the Mars has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press, which may appeal to users who type for extended periods or enjoy a less strenuous experience. However, the bottom-out force for the Mars is unavailable, leaving a gap in understanding its overall resistance when pressed down fully. Thus, while the Luciola is the heavier option of the two, the lighter feel of the Mars suggests that it may cater to those who prefer less forceful keystrokes. Users seeking a substantial typing experience may lean towards the Luciola for its firmer feedback, whereas those favoring lighter switches might find the Mars appealing, albeit with incomplete information about its bottoming out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola and Gateron Mars linear switches both share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile response and key actuation feel when pressing down on either switch. Since both switches have identical travel distances, they will deliver parallel results in terms of actuation depth, allowing for a consistent typing experience. Consequently, whether you choose the Luciola or the Mars, the travel distance remains equal, ensuring a comparable performance across these two switch options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch stands out with its distinct acoustic profile. Users can expect a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound when typing, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience that enhances the overall interaction with the keyboard. This diverse range of sounds creates an engaging typing environment, particularly for those who enjoy a more vibrant acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Mars switch remain unknown, making it difficult to make a direct comparison in this area. However, it’s essential to note that the sound produced by any switch can be further influenced by the keyboard’s construction and the keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Luciola switch excels with its medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing sensation. The snappy response, combined with a buttery and polished keystroke experience, makes for an enjoyable and dynamic typing journey. This refined typing feel, characterized by reduced friction and seamless key travel, makes it ideal for both casual users and those who engage in long typing sessions. The Gateron Mars switch's feel characteristics are not specified, which leaves a gap in the comparison; nonetheless, one might anticipate a different typing experience due to its unique POK stem and specific blend of housing materials.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola linear switch provides a captivating combination of sound and feel that can appeal to a wide range of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. With its exciting auditory profile and responsive, smooth typing experience, it stands as a compelling choice for newcomers. The sound features of the Gateron Mars remain undefined, and its feel is similarly unknown, which makes it a less predictable option in comparison. Thus, for anyone looking for an appealing switch, the Luciola offers a well-rounded experience that is tough to beat, while the Mars may hold potential for those curious about its uncharted qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Luciola and Gateron Mars linear switches should ultimately depend on your personal preferences and use case scenarios. If you value aesthetic appeal alongside a responsive and smooth typing experience, the Luciola is a compelling option. Its medium actuation force, clacky sound profile, and eye-catching glow make it ideal for gamers and enthusiasts who enjoy a tactile sensation with a touch of flair. The sound characteristics of the Luciola may particularly resonate with those who appreciate a lively auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you are seeking innovative design and materials for a different tactile experience, the Gateron Mars may be more suitable despite limited sound descriptors. Although the Mars lacks the extensive auditory and tactile profiles of the Luciola, its unique POK stem and Nylon-POM blend housing may provide a differentiated experience for those curious about new switch technologies. In essence, your decision should align with what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience: if it's about the sheer charm and responsiveness, go for the Luciola; if you're looking for innovative engineering, consider the Mars.
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