Gateron Luciola vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gateron Luciola, a linear switch, and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), a tactile switch. The Luciola switches are renowned for their eye-catching glow in the dark feature. They offer a medium heft, delivering a smooth and bouncy typing experience. The hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile adds a unique auditory dimension to your typing. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches provide a distinct and premium typing experience. With their PBT top and bottom housing, they offer durability and a satisfying feel. These switches feature a strong downstroke tactile bump, making each keystroke feel pronounced. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can determine the best switch for your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ in their housing materials, which ultimately affect the sound profile and overall feel of the switch. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This INK blend is known for producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, giving it a satisfying thin and clacky sound when pressed down. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes PBT for both its top and bottom housing. PBT is known to offer a more neutral sound profile that is not overly crisp nor dull, resulting in a different auditory experience compared to the Luciola.
However, it's worthy to note that if the top and bottom housings are the same for a given switch, such as in the case of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade), the qualities brought by the housing material are more evenly distributed throughout the switch. When pressing down on the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch, the impact and sound of the bottom housing will be more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key.
In terms of similarities, both the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offer a satisfying typing experience due to their respective housing materials. While the Luciola's INK blend creates a clacky sound, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade)'s PBT housing provides a more neutral sound profile. Both switches aim to provide a pleasing sound and feel when typing, although they achieve this through different means. Regardless of their differences, users can still expect a quality typing experience from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Luciola has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams, while the Moyu Black requires 50 grams for actuation. This means that the Moyu Black requires a slightly lighter touch to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Luciola requires 60 grams of force, while the Moyu Black requires a slightly heavier 67 grams. This indicates that the Moyu Black provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience when fully pressed.
Considering weight, the Luciola can be considered slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Moyu Black. This lighter weight can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, enabling them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This makes the Luciola an ideal choice for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Moyu Black's heavier actuation force provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. This can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. The higher bottom out force of the Moyu Black also contributes to this enhanced typing experience.
Although the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, individuals seeking similar results to the Luciola can opt for the Moyu Black to achieve a comparable, albeit slightly heavier, typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, it is clear that the Moyu Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Luciola has a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Moyu Black is considered to be the most traditional, providing a deeper and more satisfying key press. On the other hand, the Luciola's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer a shorter and more responsive keystroke, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer distinct advantages, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and individual typing style.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 is best described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and percussive sound when pressed, with a little squeak and a resonant and clean profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is known for its resonant sound profile, offering a higher-pitched and sharp auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of both switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Luciola offers a smooth and bouncy typing experience. They are snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a super responsive and seamless keystroke sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as accented and sharp. This means that it has a prominent amount of tactility, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. This tactile sensation adds to the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, Gateron Luciola linear switches and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switches provide a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound with a smooth and bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches offer a resonant sound profile and an accented, sharp tactile feel. Both switches bring unique characteristics to the table and can enhance the typing experience in their own way. If you prefer a snappy and responsive linear switch, the Luciola would be a suitable choice. However, if you want a tactile switch with a strong and distinct tactile bump, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) would be a great option. Remember that individual preferences may vary, and it is important to consider factors such as personal typing style and usage when selecting a switch.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and bouncy typing experience, along with a medium bottom out force, then the Luciola is a great choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky or chirpy sound profile, the Luciola will provide a crisp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is the switch for you. With its sharp and strong upstroke and downstroke bumps, it offers a distinct and impactful typing sensation. Furthermore, if you appreciate a resonant and immersive sound profile, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a higher-pitched and clean sound experience. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing feel and auditory experience, as both switches offer unique and desirable qualities.
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