Gateron Luciola vs. Cherry MX Brown

Overview

The Gateron Luciola and the Cherry MX Brown are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Luciola switches are known for their eye-catching glow in the dark feature, giving your keyboard a distinctive look. These switches have a medium heft and provide a smooth and bouncy typing feel. The sound profile of the Luciola switches is often compared to a "can of spray paint being shaken," adding an interesting auditory element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Browns are all about subtlety. With a relatively light typing experience, these switches offer gentle tactility and a subdued audio feedback. If you prefer a textured and bassy typing experience with low-pitched sound, the MX Browns might be the way to go. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$4.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Luciola and the Cherry MX Brown switches have contrasting housing materials that greatly impact their sound profiles. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing which produces a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Luciola's sharper and thinner tone. Overall, the Luciola's top housing offers a more distinct and satisfying clack, while the MX Brown's nylon top housing provides a fuller and more resonant sound experience.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend is characterized by its thin and higher-pitched sound, complementing the top housing's properties. This consistent sound profile contributes to the overall clacky feel of the Luciola switch. On the other hand, the MX Brown employs a nylon bottom housing that augments the deeper and fuller sound profile produced by the top housing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound experience. While the Luciola maintains a consistent sound profile throughout the press, the MX Brown's bottom housing enhances the deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out a key.

It is worth noting that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall sound and feel of a switch. In the case of these switches, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing the key press with a distinct sense of feedback. Meanwhile, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, delivering a unique sound profile upon letting go. Although the specific materials differ, both the Luciola and the MX Brown switches provide satisfying sound profiles that enhance the typing experience in their own ways. Whether it be the clacky and higher-pitched sound of the Luciola or the deeper and fuller sound of the MX Brown, users can expect comparable results in terms of overall auditory feedback.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. Starting with actuation force, the Luciola requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the MX Brown requires a lighter 45 grams. This means that the MX Brown is more sensitive and requires less force for activation. Additionally, when it comes to bottoming out, the Luciola has a heavier force of 60 grams compared to the MX Brown's 55 grams. This suggests that the Luciola will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience, while the MX Brown offers a lighter touch. However, it's important to note that both switches fall within the medium range, so they are quite similar in terms of their overall feel. Ultimately, the decision may come down to personal preference, with some users favoring the lighter actuation force of the MX Brown for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the additional push feel provided by the Luciola.

Travel distance

When it comes to travel distance, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer slightly different experiences. The Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical switches. However, the Luciola slightly deviates from the traditional 4.0 mm distance, making it a shorter option. Gamers who prioritize faster response times often prefer shorter travel distances, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, some individuals might find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. For those seeking a more substantial keypress, the Cherry MX Brown switch with its longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. Overall, the decision between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch can be described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a little squeak and a resonant, high-pitched quality. If you prefer a crisp and bright sound profile, the Luciola is a great choice. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is characterized as bassy and low-pitched. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. So, if you prefer a more mellow and bass-heavy sound, the MX Brown would be a suitable option. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps.

Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is described as snappy, buttery, and polished. These switches provide a super responsive and alive typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. The longer or dual-staged springs contribute to the snappiness, while the smooth finish and reduced friction result in a polished and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is characterized as textured. This implies that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others might prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience.

Based on the available information, the Luciola and MX Brown switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Luciola offers a smoother and bouncier typing feel, with a hollow and clacky sound profile. If you prefer a switch that feels responsive and provides a unique sound experience, the Luciola would be a great choice. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch offers a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility, paired with a more subdued and bassy sound. If you prefer a subtler and more mellow typing experience, the MX Brown would be a suitable option. It is important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps when making a decision. However, both switches provide satisfying typing experiences, and if you enjoy one, you are likely to achieve similar results with the other.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a unique and visually appealing switch, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the way to go. With their glowing feature, they are sure to catch your eye. They also offer a medium heft, providing a bouncy and smooth typing experience. The sound profile of the Luciola switches can be described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched, depending on your preference. On the other hand, if you value subtlety and a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is a great choice. These switches offer gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. The MX Brown switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them medium-light in terms of force required. They produce a bassy or low-pitched sound, which may be more appealing to those who prefer a deeper and richer sound profile. In terms of feel, the Luciola switches are described as snappy, buttery, and polished, while the MX Brown switches are known for their textured feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for visual appearance, typing experience, and sound and feel preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00 per 10

Learn more