Gateron Luciola vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, it comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Luciola is popular for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and unique sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. It is described as 'snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished'. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown switch lacks a distinctive feature but offers a tactile typing experience without the noisy click. It belongs to the tactile category of switches, providing a satisfying bump without the loudness. 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
65g
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
PCB (5-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 Dustproof Brown, one significant difference lies in the top housing material. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing element to the keyboard.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, the Luciola boasts the same proprietary INK blend as the top housing, offering a similar high-pitched sound profile that is often characterized as clacky. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. The difference in bottom housing materials contributes to the overall acoustics and feel of typing on these switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While the Luciola and Dustproof Brown may have different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities of each material impact the sound and feel of the switches differently. The Luciola's INK blend provides a consistent high-pitched sound profile throughout, while the Dustproof Brown's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates contrasting sound profiles between the top and bottom housings. Understanding these distinctions can help enthusiasts choose switches that align with their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Luciola requires 60 grams while the Dustproof Brown needs 65 grams, making the Dustproof Brown the heavier option for bottoming out. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a good balance for typing and gaming. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Dustproof Brown for its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Luciola due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Luciola has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem slight, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer faster response times may opt for the Luciola with its shorter travel distance, ideal for gaming. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper key press may gravitate towards the Dustproof Brown for its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Dustproof 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 is known for its clacky and chirpy sound profile, reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is unavailable. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Luciola is characterized by its snappy and buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and responsive keystroke. Conversely, details about the typing feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch are not provided. The absence of information makes it challenging to make a direct comparison between the two in terms of how they feel when typing.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its distinctive sound and responsive feel, the information available does not allow for a direct comparison with the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch. It is important to consider factors such as personal preference, typing style, and intended use case when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. In the event that both switches offer similar qualities, users can expect to achieve comparable typing experiences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy switches that glow in the dark, the Luciola may be the right choice for you. The Luciola offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a unique sound profile that can be described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch with dustproof features, the Dustproof Brown may better suit your needs. Keep in mind that the Dustproof Brown does not have as much information available regarding sound and feel descriptors, so it may be more of a mystery choice in that regard. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel.
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