Gateron Luciola vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and the TTC Neptune stand out for their unique qualities. The Luciola is known for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing experience with a distinctive sound profile. On the other hand, the Neptune is praised for its innovative internal structure that offers a harmonious balance between smoothness and springy resistance, giving each keystroke a textured pleasure. While the Luciola is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Clacky', and 'Chirpy', the Neptune falls under descriptors like 'Buttery', 'Gummy', and 'Frictionless'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best choice for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola uses a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the TTC Neptune utilizes a POM top housing which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. This difference in sound characteristics can significantly impact the typing experience for users, with the Luciola offering a more sharp and pointed sound compared to the Neptune's more subdued and pleasant sound.
On the other hand, the Luciola and Neptune differ in their bottom housing materials. The Luciola's INK blend bottom housing maintains the switch's pointed and high-pitched sound profile, while the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the Neptune provides a clear and resonant sound profile, which can enhance the overall typing experience for users seeking a more distinct sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the switch beyond just sound.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the Gateron Luciola and TTC Neptune. The bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material impacts the sound when a key is released. This distinction highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience of mechanical switches, as users can select switches based on their preferred sound characteristics for a customized typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Neptune linear switch. With an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, the Luciola offers a medium resistance level. In contrast, the Neptune has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Neptune may be more suitable, as it requires less force to activate key presses. However, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Luciola would be the better choice. Both switches offer different weight options for users to choose from based on their preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The Luciola, being the shorter of the two, may appeal more to those seeking a faster, more responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Neptune's slightly longer travel distance might be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial feeling when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience 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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 known for its clacky and chirpy sound profile, giving off a crisp and sharp noise when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch boasts a low-pitched and muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique auditory characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Luciola being more lively and percussive while the Neptune delivers a refined and subdued sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is described as snappy and buttery, offering a responsive and smooth keystroke experience. Conversely, the TTC Neptune linear switch provides a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, with a touch of gummy feel when bottoming out. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant and effortless typing feel, with the Luciola focusing on responsiveness and liveliness, while the Neptune emphasizes smoothness and fluidity.
Taking all available information into account, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch offer contrasting yet equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola stands out with its clacky sound and snappy typing feel, making each keystroke energetic and tactile. In contrast, the Neptune impresses with its muted sound and buttery, frictionless typing experience, providing a more subdued and smooth keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches guarantee a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Luciola linear switch or the TTC Neptune linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you prefer a medium heft with smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a distinct glow-in-the-dark feature, then the Luciola switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for an ultralight switch with a unique matte feel, effortless typing experience, and muted sound signature, the Neptune switch could be the better option. Both switches offer different sound profiles and tactile sensations, so it's important to consider what feels best for your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Luciola and TTC Neptune switches will depend on what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
