Gateron Luciola vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Luciola stands out with its glowing design, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switches are designed for office environments, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, with a light actuation suitable for continuous typing in professional settings. While the Luciola is characterized by its snappy and clacky feel, the Mountain Top offers a more subtle and subdued typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and specific usage scenarios; 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Mountain Top, we can see that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their materials. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a high-pitched and clacky sound, whereas the Mountain Top's nylon top housing gives a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the Luciola's top housing produces a sharper sound, the Mountain Top's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how different materials can impact the overall typing experience.
Similarly, the bottom housing of the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Mountain Top also play a significant role in the typing experience. The Luciola's INK blend bottom housing contributes to the high-pitched and clacky sound profile, while the Mountain Top's nylon bottom housing enhances the deeper and fuller sound. The difference in bottom housing materials can affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, with the Luciola's bottom housing providing a more impactful sound compared to the Mountain Top's softer and more absorbing bottom housing.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Mountain Top offer unique sound profiles, they both contribute to a satisfying typing experience. The contrast between the proprietary INK blend and nylon materials in the top and bottom housings highlights how different materials can influence sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper and clacky sound like the Luciola or a deeper and fuller sound like the Mountain Top, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top is lighter in both regards. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Mountain Top only requires 40 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, marking it as a lighter option. The difference in weight between the two switches can have a significant impact on typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Mountain Top for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who seek a more substantial feel may prefer the slightly heavier Luciola. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we find that the Luciola has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Mountain Top's 3.4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in modern keyboards, the Luciola offers a bit more depth in its key press compared to the Mountain Top. Gamers may appreciate the quicker response time provided by the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top, while those looking for a more substantial key press experience may prefer the slighter longer travel distance of the Luciola. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether a shorter or longer travel distance is desired.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 offers a unique experience with its clacky, chirpy, and marbly sound profile, giving a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a neutral sound profile that is moderate in both actuation force requirement and sound intensity, making it suitable for various environments. Both switches use different mechanisms to create their sound, so users can expect distinct auditory feedback based on their preference and setting.
When it comes to the typing feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is described as providing a snappy and buttery typing experience, thanks to its responsive and fluid keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, and mild typing sensation, providing gentle resistance and a light actuation force for comfortable typing. While the Luciola emphasizes responsiveness and smoothness, the Mountain Top targets a more effortless and rebound-focused typing experience, catering to a different set of preferences and needs.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola linear switch stands out with its eye-catching design, medium heft, and unique sound profile, appealing to users looking for a more standout and vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch focuses on discretion, quietness, and light actuation, making it ideal for professional settings where a subdued typing sound is preferred. Depending on individual preferences and working environments, both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, ensuring users can find a switch that suits their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Luciola linear switch or the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch that offers a medium bottom out force, a unique glow-in-the-dark feature, and a clacky or chirpy sound profile with a snappy or buttery typing feel, then the Luciola may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a more neutral sound profile, and a bouncy or easy-to-press typing feel that is suitable for office environments, then the Mountain Top switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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