Gateron Luciola vs. Outemu Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Milk Tea offer distinct typing experiences. The Gateron Luciola is a linear switch known 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. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch, offering a different typing experience compared to the Luciola. While the Luciola is categorized as snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, polished, the Milk Tea falls under a different category. If you're looking for a switch with a visually appealing feature and a smooth typing feel, the Luciola might be the way to go. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and Outemu Milk Tea switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing known for its relatively high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a bright and resonant sound signature. In terms of bottom housing, the Luciola also utilizes the INK blend material, providing a similar high-pitched sound profile, whereas the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Overall, the Luciola tends to focus more on a thin and clacky sound, while the Milk Tea emphasizes a fuller and rounder sound.

The difference in housing materials between the Gateron Luciola and Outemu Milk Tea switches extends to the feel and sound when typing. The bottom housing of the Luciola, made of the INK blend, contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, emphasizing the high-pitched and clacky qualities of the switch. In contrast, the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing of each switch influences the sound when releasing a key, with the Luciola's INK blend providing a pointed and higher-pitched sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly housing offers a more resonant and clacky sound.

While the Gateron Luciola and Outemu Milk Tea switches have different housing materials in their top and bottom components, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a satisfyingly clacky sound, complemented by a pointed and high-pitched effect from the bottom housing. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing creates a bright and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a thinner and clacky sound (Luciola) or a fuller and rounder sound (Milk Tea) in your typing experience.

Weight

The actuation force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch is 55 grams, whereas the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Milk Tea the lighter option. The Luciola has a bottom out force of 60 grams while the bottom out force of the Milk Tea is unknown. This means that the Luciola requires a slightly heavier force to reach the bottom of the keystroke compared to the Milk Tea. Both switches provide a different typing experience, with the Luciola offering a more substantial feel due to its higher bottom out force, while the Milk Tea provides a lighter touch for those looking for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Milk Tea switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Luciola switch. For those who prioritize faster response times, the Luciola switch with its shorter travel distance may be more appealing. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper key press experience may lean towards the Milk Tea switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding travel distance and key press feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Luciola linear switch is well-known for its unique sound profile, described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. When pressed, these switches emit a sharp and snappy sound similar to shaking a can of spray paint. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it may be difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Luciola is praised for its snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience. These qualities make typing on the Luciola switches responsive, smooth, and refined. In contrast, there is no information available on the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switches, so it's challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience. Both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience, but without specific details on the Milk Tea, it's difficult to make a definitive comparison.

Overall, if you're seeking a switch with a unique sound profile that is smooth and bouncy to type on, the Gateron Luciola linear switch may be the way to go. However, if you're looking for a tactile switch with unknown sound and feel qualities, the Outemu Milk Tea could still offer a satisfying typing experience. Remember, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, so consider testing out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Luciola linear switch or the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, as well as a clacky and chirpy sound profile, then the Luciola switch may be the better option for you. Additionally, if you are drawn to the aesthetic appeal of glowing switches, the Luciola's unique feature may be a key selling point for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a bottom out force of None and prefer a tactile typing experience, you may find the Milk Tea switch to be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual preferences for feel, sound, and visual appeal.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more