Gateron Luciola vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Melodic stand out as intriguing options to consider. The Luciola is a linear switch that is not only visually striking with its glow-in-the-dark feature but also offers a smooth and bouncy typing experience with a unique sound profile described as resembling a "can of spray paint being shaken." On the other hand, the Melodic is a clicky switch that redefines the category by incorporating smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems for a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback without sacrificing smoothness. While the Luciola is praised for its snappy and clacky feel, the Melodic is celebrated for its buttery and invigorating qualities. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Melodic differ in their housing materials, with the Luciola featuring a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, while the Melodic utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The Luciola's INK blend top housing is known for its relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile, whereas the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Melodic creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola.
One similarity between the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Melodic is that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The INK blend top housing of the Luciola provides a thin and higher-pitched sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic produces a clear and resonant sound. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Melodic leads to a deeper and rounder sound profile, in contrast to the higher-pitched sound of the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola. Overall, while both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, the choice between them will depend on whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound experience.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Melodic can also depend on personal preference. The polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic is especially suitable for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing a visually appealing option for those seeking a customizable setup. On the other hand, the INK blend top housing of the Luciola offers a unique and satisfying clacky sound that may appeal to those looking for a different typing experience. Ultimately, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound profile and feel of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Luciola has a light actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a smooth and effortless typing feel. On the other hand, the Melodic clicky switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a slightly heavier and more tactile typing experience. Both switches have the same bottom out force, so users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to fully press the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter forces being preferable for prolonged typing sessions and heavier forces providing a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Luciola has a shorter travel distance compared to the Melodic. The shorter travel distance of the Luciola may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Melodic may provide a more satisfying depth to the key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel. Both switches offer unique experiences, with the Luciola offering a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker input and the Melodic offering a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial key press.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its clacky and chirpy sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Luciola being more sharp and percussive, while the Melodic provides a clean and immersive sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is described as snappy and buttery, offering a smooth and bouncy typing sensation. The switch provides a responsive and lively typing experience, making each keystroke feel more alive. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch also offers a buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Melodic switch is said to be invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a reactive feel that enhances the typing sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola provides a crisp and bright sound with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, while the Melodic offers a clean and sharp sound with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Luciola being more snappy and the Melodic offering a more immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a distinct sound profile, then the Luciola switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch that offers a smooth keystroke and immersive auditory experience, then the Melodic switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches are great options from Gateron, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Mentioned in this article
