Gateron Luciola vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Orange are both popular choices with their own unique features. The Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow in the dark properties, while the Orange switches sport a vibrant orange nylon bottom housing. In terms of typing experience, the Luciola offers a medium heft, a smooth and bouncy feel, and a distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. On the other hand, the Orange switches boast a 22mm long spring for a bouncy typing feel, a slick and frictionless experience due to its polycarbonate milky top housing and long pole POM stem. The sound profile of the Orange switches is described as low-pitched. Both switches have their own merits that make them desirable options. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and the KTT Orange differ in terms of their housing materials. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Orange utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. The INK blend top housing of the Luciola creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Orange creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Orange's clear housing is especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend and the Orange's polycarbonate produce similar results. Both materials contribute to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, giving the switches a clacky feel. However, the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing also offers the benefits of being stiffer, providing a more clear and resonant sound profile. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the Orange may be slightly different compared to the Luciola.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has more impact on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom will determine the overall sound profile and feel of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Luciola has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams, making the Luciola a bit heavier in terms of initial keystroke activation. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Luciola is again slightly heavier with 60 grams compared to the Orange's 53 grams. This means that the Luciola provides a more substantial and firm typing experience throughout the entire keystroke process.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the KTT Orange switch would be the better choice as it has a lower actuation and bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for longer typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger and more tactile feel when typing may prefer the Gateron Luciola switch. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Luciola contribute to a more pronounced keystroke and a sense of increased responsiveness.
While the forces may differ between the two switches, both the Luciola and Orange offer a medium to medium-light actuation and bottom out force. This means that, overall, the results obtained from using these switches will be relatively similar. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have slight differences in their travel distances. The Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Orange has a travel distance of 3.5mm. These distances are quite similar, with the Orange being slightly shorter. In general, a 4.0mm travel distance is considered traditional, while a 3.0mm travel distance is shallower. However, both the Luciola and the Orange are on the shorter side, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. If you value quick responsiveness, opting for either switch will yield similar results. However, it is important to note that some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Luciola with its longer travel distance may be the better choice. Ultimately, personal preferences and typing style will determine which switch is most suitable for each individual.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 provides a unique and distinctive experience. It has been described as clacky, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Additionally, it has a chirpy characteristic, giving it a slight squeak that sets it apart from other switches. The Luciola switch also has a marbly quality, producing a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola switch offers a medium heft and a smooth and bouncy typing experience. It has been described as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive, possibly due to longer or dual-staged springs. The Luciola switch also provides a buttery feel, meaning it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, making typing seamless and effortless. Moreover, it has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch provides a bouncy feel, giving it a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. It offers a lively feel, providing rebound when pressed. Additionally, it offers a frictionless typing experience, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a fluid travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola and KTT Orange linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switch has a unique sound profile, described as clacky, chirpy, and marbly, while the Orange switch provides a low-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Luciola switch is smooth, bouncy, snappy, and polished, ensuring a refined and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless feel, providing a lively and effortless typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as both offer distinct qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a unique and eye-catching keyboard aesthetic, then the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a fantastic choice for you. These switches not only glow in the dark but also offer a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. On the other hand, if you value a slick and frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange linear switch is an excellent option. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a low-pitched sound profile, these switches provide a seamless and effortless key travel. Moreover, their factory-lubing ensures a refined and fluid typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Luciola and KTT Orange switches depends on whether you prioritize a visually striking keyboard or a highly polished typing experience, so choose accordingly to suit your preferences.
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