Gateron Luciola vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it's important to note some key differences. The Gateron Luciola is loved for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and unique sound profile resembling a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when typing. While the Luciola is categorized as snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, polished, the Purple switch falls under a different category. If you're looking for a switch that offers a smooth and consistent typing experience with a bit of flair, the Luciola may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a tactile bump while typing for improved accuracy, the Outemu Purple might be more suitable for your needs. 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
50g
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
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 Purple, it is clear that they offer different sound profiles due to their unique compositions. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, resulting in a satisfying clacky noise when typing. On the other hand, the Purple's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While both materials offer a clear sound profile, the Luciola's INK blend may appeal to those seeking a slightly softer sound compared to the more pronounced sound of the polycarbonate used in the Purple.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend is consistent with its top housing in providing a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This creates a uniform typing experience with a satisfying clacky noise throughout. In contrast, the Purple's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. While the Luciola maintains a consistent sound profile from top to bottom, the Purple's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a dynamic typing experience with varying tones depending on where the key is pressed.
Overall, the choice between the Luciola and the Purple will depend on personal preference for sound and feel when typing. The Luciola offers a more uniform sound experience with its proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistently clacky and high-pitched noise. On the other hand, the Purple provides a more dynamic sound profile, with a sharper top housing made of polycarbonate and a deeper bottom housing made of nylon. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Luciola has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Purple's 50 grams, making the Luciola slightly heavier to press down initially. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Luciola requires 60 grams to fully press down, while the Purple's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Luciola has a more consistent and weighted feel throughout the keystroke process compared to the Purple. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Purple for its lighter actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Luciola with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Purple tactile switch's travel distance of 4 mm. The Luciola's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Purple's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feeling. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distance, with the Luciola providing a quicker key press and the Purple offering a more deliberate and satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 Purple 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 has a distinctive clacky and chirpy sound profile, creating a sharp and snappy typing experience that can stand out in a quiet room. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available. Depending on your preference for sound, the Luciola may provide a more unique and lively auditory experience compared to the Purple switch.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its snappy and bouncy typing feel, offering a responsive and lively keystroke. The smooth and polished finish of the Luciola switch also contributes to a fluid and uniform typing sensation. On the contrary, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Purple tactile switch. If the feel of a switch is an important factor for you, the Luciola may offer a more dynamic and enjoyable typing experience compared to the Purple switch.
Overall, the Gateron Luciola linear switch stands out for its eye-catching appearance, medium heft, distinctive sound profile, and responsive typing feel. In comparison, the information available for the Outemu Purple tactile switch is limited, making direct comparisons challenging. However, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Luciola offering a unique sound and feel. If you enjoy the qualities of the Luciola switch, you may find similar results with the Purple switch in terms of performance and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a switch with a bit more weight and a smooth, bouncy typing experience, the Gateron Luciola linear switch may be the right choice for you. The medium bottom out force and unique glow-in-the-dark feature make it a standout option for those who prioritize aesthetics and a tactile typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no tactile feedback and a customizable bottom out force, the Outemu Purple tactile switch might be more your style. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing preferences. Consider trying out both switches to see which one suits your needs best.
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