Gateron Luciola vs. Durock Medium Tactile

Overview

The Gateron Luciola and the Durock Medium Tactile are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer different typing experiences. On one hand, the Luciola is notable for its eye-catching glowing feature in the dark, which adds a unique visual appeal. The switch has a medium heft and provides a smooth and bouncy typing feel. Its sound profile can be compared to that of a hollow “can of spray paint being shaken,” creating a distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, giving typists a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. Additionally, it has a jelly-like sound signature, adding a touch of uniqueness to the typing experience. Both switches offer their own merits, providing different levels of tactility and sound characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your individual preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Durock Medium Tactile differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. This INK blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate as a stiffer plastic results in a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the Luciola's bottom housing, which is also made of the INK blend, provides a similar thin and higher-pitched sound experience as the top housing. However, the Durock Medium Tactile employs a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.

Despite their differences, the top and bottom housings of both switches play crucial roles in determining the sound and feel of typing. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Luciola, the INK blend bottom housing contributes to the satisfying thin and higher-pitched clacky sound. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing of the Medium Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound with a duller overall tone. Conversely, the top housing of the switches impacts the sound when releasing a key. The Luciola's INK blend top housing adds to the pointed and high-pitched sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile produces a sharper and crisper sound.

In conclusion, while the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Durock Medium Tactile exhibit notable differences, they both offer unique qualities that affect the overall typing experience. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend provides a clacky and relatively high-pitched sound, present in both the top and bottom housings. In contrast, the Medium Tactile utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Medium Tactile contributes to a deeper and rounder sound. Despite these distinctions, both switches demonstrate how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the actuation force for the Medium Tactile is unknown. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Luciola at 60 grams and the Medium Tactile at 65 grams. This means that the Luciola is lighter in terms of actuation force, providing a smoother typing experience that may be preferable for longer periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile offers a stronger push feel with its heavier bottom out force, which can provide a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with individuals who prefer a lighter touch opting for the Luciola and those seeking a heavier, more substantial feel favoring the Medium Tactile.

Travel distance

The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is slightly longer than the Gateron Luciola switch. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered to be the most traditional, while a 3.0mm travel distance is the shallowest. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Gateron Luciola switch with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and they may prefer the Durock Medium Tactile switch with its longer travel distance for a more substantial feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Luciola linear switch is best known for its medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a hollow “can of spray paint being shaken” sound profile. It has a unique sound that can be described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched. These switches are super responsive, providing a snappy typing experience. They have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. Unfortunately, there is no specific description available for its sound profile. In terms of feel, the Medium Tactile switch is accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It can also be described as stepped, offering a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, like the Luciola, the Medium Tactile switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Based on the available information, it is clear that the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have distinct characteristics. The Luciola switch offers a bouncy and smooth typing feel with a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound profile. It provides a snappy typing experience and has a polished finish. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch offers pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. It has an accented and stepped feel, providing a mild tactile experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the sound profile for the Medium Tactile switch is unknown, it is safe to assume that it will offer a unique and satisfying typing experience. Therefore, if you are looking for a linear switch with a bouncy typing feel and distinct sound profile, the Luciola switch would be a great choice. Similarly, if you prefer a tactile switch with balanced tactility and a smooth typing experience, the Medium Tactile switch would be a suitable option.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with medium bottom out force and a unique aesthetic, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice. These switches are not only eye-catching with their glow in the dark feature, but they also provide a smooth and bouncy typing feel. The sound profile of the Luciola can be described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched, which adds to the overall typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is worth considering. This switch offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing an enjoyable typing experience. The sound signature of the Medium Tactile is not specified, but it can be assumed to be pleasant based on the other descriptors mentioned.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and Durock Medium Tactile switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a linear switch with a unique glow in the dark feature and a variety of sound profiles, go for the Luciola. If you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a balanced tactility, the Medium Tactile is a solid option. Both switches offer their own advantages and can enhance your typing experience based on your individual needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more