Gateron Luciola vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and the Cherry Nixie are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches, both offering unique features and qualities. The Luciola stands out for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark design, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and distinctive sound profile resembling a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the Nixie is renowned for its classic status in the keyboard community, featuring a substantial heft, textured typing experience, and incorporating modern updates from Cherry's MX2A upgrade. While the Luciola is described as 'Snappy', 'Clacky', and 'Buttery', the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured' and 'Thocky'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences in typing experience. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and Cherry Nixie switches both play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed, high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Nixie utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic material that absorbs more sound. While the Luciola provides a more distinct and sharp sound, the Nixie offers a rounder and duller sound experience.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Gateron Luciola and Cherry Nixie switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The INK blend top and bottom housing of the Luciola contribute to its characteristic high-pitched and pointed sound, creating a clacky typing experience. Conversely, the nylon housing of the Nixie results in a deeper and fuller sound, providing a more subdued and round sound profile. These distinct characteristics make the switches suitable for different typing styles and preferences, catering to those who prefer either a sharper or a more mellow sound.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and Cherry Nixie switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. While the Luciola offers a sharper, clacky sound due to its INK blend housing, the Nixie provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing. Both switches excel in distinct ways, with the Luciola offering a more pointed sound while the Nixie delivers a rounder sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper or a milder typing experience, either switch can provide a satisfying sound profile based on the unique qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, we can see some clear differences. The Luciola has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Nixie's heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams. Similarly, the Luciola has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Nixie has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Luciola provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. On the other hand, the Nixie offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches provide unique benefits depending on user preference, but the Luciola is lighter overall, while the Nixie is heavier.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Luciola has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Nixie. Typically, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying and deliberate keypress. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer quicker key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference and what feels more comfortable during use.
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 Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched characteristics, giving a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deep, rich, and satisfying tone. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Luciola offering a more vibrant and sharp sound while the Nixie delivers a deeper and more mellow tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the desired sound profile for your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola switch provides a snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience, offering responsiveness, smoothness, and refinement in keystrokes. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. This textural element adds a tactile sensation to typing on the Nixie switch, which may appeal to users looking for a more tactile experience. Again, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a smoother, more polished feel or a textured, tactile experience in your typing.
Overall, the Gateron Luciola and Cherry Nixie linear switches offer distinct characteristics in both sound and feel, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Luciola provides a more vibrant and sharp sound with a responsive and smooth typing feel, the Nixie offers a deeper, richer sound profile with a textural typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are high-quality options that will provide a satisfying typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard setup. Whether you opt for the Luciola or the Nixie, you can expect a top-notch typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch that glows in the dark, the Gateron Luciola may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a traditional switch with a substantial feel, the Cherry Nixie could be the better option. Additionally, consider whether you prefer a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound profile, as well as a snappy, buttery, or polished typing feel versus a textured one. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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