Gateron Luciola vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Peach are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics for different preferences. The Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow in the dark feature, providing a visually captivating typing experience. With a medium heft, it offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel, accompanied by a distinct hollow sound reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach is notable for its lightweight and silence, making it ideal for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience without the usual clicky noises associated with mechanical switches. Categorized as neutral, mild, muted, subtle, and polished, the Peach offers a subtle and polished typing experience. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Outemu Peach switches differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing that creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Outemu Peach utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Luciola offers a thinner and higher-pitched sound, the Outemu Peach delivers a more resonant and robust sound experience.
Additionally, the bottom housings of these switches also exhibit differences in sound. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. Conversely, the Outemu Peach utilizes a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Thus, pressing down on the Luciola switch will result in a clacky and high-pitched sound, while pressing down on the Outemu Peach will produce a more resonant and deep sound.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Outemu Peach switches significantly impact the sound profiles they produce. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend offers a thin and clacky sound, both in its top and bottom housings. In contrast, the Outemu Peach's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Additionally, the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound of the Luciola. While these housing materials create distinct sound profiles, both switches offer satisfying typing experiences, albeit with different tonal qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences in their weight. The Luciola switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium weight category. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, classifying it as a light switch.
The weight of a switch is an important consideration for users. Those who prefer a lighter switch often enjoy the ability to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the opposite end of the spectrum, individuals who seek a substantial typing experience may prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force, providing them with a stronger push feel.
In terms of actuation force, the Outemu Peach switch offers a lighter touch at 40 grams, while the Gateron Luciola switch has a slightly heavier touch at 55 grams. This variance means that individuals using the Outemu Peach switch may trigger keystrokes more easily and with less force compared to those using the Gateron Luciola switch. However, as for the bottom out force, both switches require similar amounts of pressure, with the Gateron Luciola requiring 60 grams and the Outemu Peach requiring 50 grams.
To summarize, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is heavier in terms of actuation force, while the Outemu Peach linear switch is lighter. Both switches share a similar bottom out force. Understanding these distinctions allows users to select a switch that aligns with their preferences for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch, it is clear that the Luciola has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Peach's 3.3 mm. The Luciola falls within the range of a traditional travel distance, while the Peach is slightly shorter. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Peach would be the better choice. However, for individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Luciola's longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on one's personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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
The Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a hollow “can of spray paint being shaken” sound profile. It has a clacky and chirpy sound, which gives it a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a unique squeak to set it apart from other switches. The feel of the Luciola switch is described as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs. It also has a buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This is achieved through a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch is lightweight and silenced, making it perfect for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience. In terms of sound, it is described as neutral and muted. The neutral sound profile and moderate actuation force requirement make it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use it at home or work. When it comes to feel, the Outemu Peach switch offers a mild and subtle typing experience. It has a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel without being too feather-light. Similar to the Luciola switch, the Outemu Peach switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola and Outemu Peach linear switches have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switch has a clacky and chirpy sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, while the Outemu Peach switch has a neutral and muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. In terms of feel, the Luciola switch offers a snappy and buttery typing experience, with super responsiveness and a smooth keystroke. The Outemu Peach switch, on the other hand, provides a mild and subtle typing experience, with a gentle resistance and a polished finish for reduced friction.
While they have different qualities, both switches offer a smooth typing experience with reduced friction due to their polished finish. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile and a bouncier feel or a more neutral sound profile and a lightweight typing experience, both the Gateron Luciola and Outemu Peach switches provide options for linear switch enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound profile, then the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be the better choice for you. These switches are also known for their eye-catching glow in the dark feature. On the other hand, if you prefer a feathery light typing experience and a switch that is silenced, then the Outemu Peach linear switch is perfect for you. The Outemu Peach offers a lighter bottom out force and a neutral or muted sound profile. Both switches provide a polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Peach will depend on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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