Gateron Luciola vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola, a linear switch, and the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, present distinctive features worth considering. The Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark design, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and unique sound profile likened to the shaking of a can of spray paint. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown offers a tactile feedback without any specific standout features. For those who prefer a snappy, clacky typing experience, the Luciola might be the way to go. However, if a more subtle, tactile feedback is preferred, the Crystal Brown could be the better choice. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Crystal Brown, one notable difference lies in the top housing. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly affect the overall typing experience for users, as the material of the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced by the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gateron Luciola incorporates its proprietary INK blend, which contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This results in a satisfying tactile feedback that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown employs a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound quality compared to the sharper sound produced by the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola. This contrast showcases how the bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Although the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Crystal Brown utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Gateron Luciola's combination of INK blend top and bottom housings creates a thin, clacky sound profile, while the Outemu Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings result in a sharper, crisper sound with a deeper tone. Despite the differences in materials, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch. The Luciola requires 55 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Crystal Brown only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. This means that the Luciola provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance, while the Crystal Brown offers a lighter touch for a smoother typing experience. Both switches fall into the medium-weight category, but the Luciola leans towards the heavier side, while the Crystal Brown is on the lighter end. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Crystal Brown, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Luciola. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Crystal Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Luciola. In general, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Both switches offer a good balance between speed and feedback, but if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance, the Luciola may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for 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 Crystal 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its clacky and chirpy sound profile, which offers a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have any specific sound descriptions available. While the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps, the Luciola switch stands out for its distinctive noise characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch provides a snappy and bouncy typing experience, giving users a responsive and lively sensation while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have any specific feel descriptions provided. The Luciola switch's buttery and polished feel sets it apart, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is both effortless and uniform.
Overall, the Gateron Luciola linear switch shines in both sound and feel aspects compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, which lacks specific details in these areas. If you are looking for a switch with a clacky sound profile and a snappy, buttery feel, the Luciola switch would be a solid choice. However, keep in mind that personal preferences play a crucial role in selecting the right switch for you, so trying out different options is key in finding the perfect match for your typing style.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a unique and visually appealing switch that offers a medium heft, smooth typing feel, and a clacky or chirpy sound profile, then the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lighter actuation force and a more subtle typing experience, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch may be a better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of feel, sound, and aesthetics. Happy typing!
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