Gateron Luciola vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular linear options to consider are the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Milk Peach. The Gateron Luciola is known for its unique glowing feature, making it visually appealing in low-light settings. This switch offers a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing experience, and a distinctive sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach lacks any specific standout feature but delivers a straightforward linear typing experience. While the Luciola is described as 'Snappy', 'Clacky', 'Chirpy', 'Marbly', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Milk Peach sits in a neutral category. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing feel. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Milk Peach, it is evident that they differ in terms of composition and resulting sound profiles. The Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which produces a relatively high-pitched yet satisfying sound described as clacky. On the other hand, the Milk Peach features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. While the Luciola's bottom housing also utilizes the INK blend for a similar sound profile, the Milk Peach distinguishes itself by employing a nylon bottom housing that provides a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of the top housing material differs between the two switches, with the Luciola's transparent INK blend offering a unique visual element and potential for enhanced RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Milk Peach's polycarbonate top housing, being clear as well, enhances its appearance and contributes to a brighter sound profile. However, where the Luciola's bottom housing maintains the qualities of its INK blend for a consistent sound experience, the Milk Peach's nylon bottom housing dampens sound and produces a duller, rounder sound overall. This contrast in sound profiles highlights the importance of housing material in influencing the overall typing experience and preference for mechanical keyboard users.
Overall, while both the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Milk Peach utilize distinctive housing materials for their switches, they ultimately cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend offers a unique clacky sound profile that is consistent throughout both the top and bottom housings, providing a cohesive typing experience. In comparison, the Milk Peach's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings creates a sharper sound from the top housing and a deeper sound from the bottom housing, resulting in a more varied sound experience depending on the typing action. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Luciola boasts a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a relatively balanced and consistent feel. In contrast, the Milk Peach offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unspecified. As such, it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of overall force required. Generally, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milk Peach, while those seeking a more robust typing experience may opt for the Luciola. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Milk Peach has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Luciola. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Those who prefer a more abrupt feel may lean towards the Milk Peach, while those who prefer a deeper press may opt for the Luciola. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Milk Peach 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 offers a unique experience with its clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound profiles. These switches are known for their sharp and snappy sound when pressed, setting them apart from other switches on the market. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Luciola is appreciated for its snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience. These switches are known for their super responsiveness and smooth keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The Outemu Milk Peach linear switch's feel is unknown, making it challenging to compare with the Gateron Luciola in terms of typing feel.
Considering all the information available, it is clear that the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a unique sound and feel experience for keyboard enthusiasts. While specific details about the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch are unavailable, it is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in selecting the right switch for your keyboard. It is recommended to try out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches may provide a similar typing experience depending on your personal preferences and setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a switch with a unique glow-in-the-dark feature, the Gateron Luciola may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and are looking for a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Outemu Milk Peach could be the more suitable option. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences for the most satisfying typing experience.