Gateron Luciola vs. Gateron New North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The Luciola is best known for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, making it a unique choice for those who want a visually striking keyboard. With a medium heft, it offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a distinctive hollow sound profile that may remind you of a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2, unlike its predecessor, no longer has a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing experience. However, it still retains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, which is a frictionless typing feel that many users adore. Gateron has managed to maintain the seamless glide and smoothness that have made the North Pole switches popular among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While these general pointers give you a glimpse into each switch, it's important to delve deeper into their characteristics to find the best fit for your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Luciola and the Gateron New North Pole V2 have different housing materials for both the top and bottom. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the New North Pole V2 has a polycarbonate top housing. The INK blend top housing of the Luciola creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 produces a sharper and crisper sound, especially beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Although both create higher-pitched sounds, the Luciola has a more satisfying thin sound profile, while the New North Pole V2 offers a clearer and resonant sound.

Similarly, with the bottom housing, the Luciola has a proprietary INK blend, while the New North Pole V2 has a polycarbonate bottom housing. Both housings contribute to the overall sound profile of a switch, with the INK blend providing a pointed and high-pitched sound, described as clacky, and the polycarbonate resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. The difference lies in the type of plastic used, with the INK blend being characterized as not overly sharp, while the polycarbonate is relatively stiffer, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, clear housings are more likely to be polycarbonate, making it an ideal choice if RGB lighting is planned.

When comparing the overall impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the switch, the qualities each material brings will be divided. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. This means that the choice of housing materials in each component affects different aspects of the typing experience. While the Luciola and New North Pole V2 differ in their housing materials, they both provide unique sound profiles due to the characteristics of their respective materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have a medium actuation force, with the Luciola requiring 55 grams and the New North Pole V2 requiring 50 grams. This means that both switches provide a similar level of ease in triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Luciola requires a slightly heavier force of 60 grams, while the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams. This means that the typing experience on the Luciola switch might feel slightly more substantial when pressing all the way down compared to the New North Pole V2 switch.

Weight is an important factor to consider, as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the New North Pole V2 would be a better choice, as it has a slightly lighter actuation force. This can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who prefer a stronger and more substantial push feel, the Luciola switch would be a better option, as it requires a slightly heavier force for bottoming out. Overall, both switches offer a medium level of actuation force and provide a balanced typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we can see a slight difference. The Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of preference, the shorter travel distance of the Luciola may be more appealing to gamers seeking faster response times. This shorter distance allows for quick and precise keystrokes, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press may find the 4 mm travel distance of the New North Pole V2 more satisfying. It offers a bit more depth, providing a tactile feedback that some typists prefer. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Luciola linear switch is best known for its eye-catching feature of glowing in the dark. It has a medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing feel. When it comes to sound, the Luciola switch has a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch does not have a rubber dampener like its predecessor, resulting in a crisper typing experience. However, it still retains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, which is a frictionless typing feel. Gateron has maintained the seamless glide and overall smoothness that users love. Unfortunately, there is no available information about the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 switch.

In conclusion, while the Luciola and New North Pole V2 switches differ in their features, they both offer an enjoyable typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a distinctive sound, the Luciola's "can of spray paint being shaken" profile might be appealing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, the New North Pole V2 would be a suitable choice. Both switches are likely to provide a smooth and polished feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and eye-catching switch that glows in the dark, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is a great choice. It has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a smooth and bouncy typing feel. The Luciola also has a distinctive sound profile, with options such as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams, it offers a frictionless typing feel and a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the New North Pole V2 is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless in terms of feel. Overall, the choice between the Luciola and the New North Pole V2 ultimately depends on your preference for aesthetics, typing experience, and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more