Gateron Luciola vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch are two popular options to compare. The Gateron Luciola is known for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and unique sound profile reminiscent of shaking a can of spray paint. It falls under categories such as snappy, clacky, and buttery. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch is praised for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. While it may not have any standout visual features like the Luciola, it offers a quiet typing experience. It is categorized under tactile. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on what you prioritize in a keyboard switch. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola's INK blend top housing and bottom housing offer a unique sound profile that is pointed and relatively high-pitched, resulting in a satisfyingly clacky sound. In contrast, the Outemu Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. While both materials provide a distinctive sound, the Luciola's INK blend may be preferred for those looking for a thinner and higher-pitched typing experience, while the Outemu Brown's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who prefer a clearer and more resonant sound.
On the other hand, the Luciola's bottom housing also features the proprietary INK blend, offering a similar sound profile to the top housing. In comparison, the Outemu Brown's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Both materials bring unique sound characteristics to the switch, with the INK blend providing a thinner and higher-pitched sound and the nylon offering a deeper and fuller tone. Depending on individual preferences, users may choose between the two based on the desired sound experience during typing.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Luciola with its INK blend housing and the Outemu Brown with its polycarbonate and nylon housing depends on the user's preference for sound profile. While the Luciola offers a clacky and thinner sound with its top and bottom INK blend housings, the Outemu Brown provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Both switches bring distinct qualities to the typing experience, with the housing materials playing a significant role in determining the sound profile of each key press. Ultimately, users looking for a specific sound profile can choose between the two based on their preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium switch in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown has a slightly lighter actuation force of 53 grams, but a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This means that the Luciola offers a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Outemu Brown, which requires a bit more force to bottom out. However, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect a relatively similar feel in terms of typing feedback and keypress resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for those who prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Outemu Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Luciola offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch provides a more substantial key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer reliable performance, but the Luciola will result in quicker keystrokes while the Outemu Brown will provide a more satisfying typing experience with its longer travel distance.
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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a unique combination of clacky, chirpy, and marbly sounds that create a distinctive typing experience. The high-pitched nature of these switches adds to the overall satisfying auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is not available, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is praised for its snappy and buttery tactile feel, providing a responsive and smooth typing experience. The polished finish of these switches further enhances the typing sensation by reducing friction and ensuring a seamless key travel. Unfortunately, specific details about the tactile feel of the Outemu Brown switch are not provided, but considering its tactile nature, users can expect a similar level of responsiveness and tactility as the Gateron Luciola.
Overall, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch boasts a distinct sound profile and a smooth, bouncy typing feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch offers a tactile typing experience that may be comparable in terms of responsiveness and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you prioritize a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a medium bottom out force and enjoy switches that glow in the dark, the Luciola may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and want a tactile feedback with a slightly heavier actuation, the Outemu Brown switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific features that matter most to you. Happy typing!
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