Gateron Luciola vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and Outemu Silent White both offer unique features to consider. The Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark design, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and distinctive sound profile akin to a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken." On the other hand, the Silent White switch doesn't have any standout features mentioned, but it offers silent typing experience. While the Luciola switch is described as 'Snappy', 'Clacky', 'Chirpy', 'Marbly', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Silent White is said to be silent. If you are looking for a switch that adds a bit of flair to your setup, the Gateron 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Silent White, one key difference lies in the top housing. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its thin and higher-pitched sound profile, while the Silent White utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Silent White's top housing not only provides a more resonant sound profile but also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gateron Luciola's INK blend bottom housing offers a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile as its top housing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White employs a nylon bottom housing, which delivers a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and Outemu Silent White differ, they each contribute unique qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nylon bottom housing of the Silent White offering a deeper typing experience compared to the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White providing a clear and resonant sound profile that complements its sharper typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that they both have a bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the Gateron Luciola requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Silent White's 45 grams. This makes the Outemu Silent White the lighter option between the two. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience for the Outemu Silent White, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming for an extended period. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola's heavier actuation force may appeal to those who desire a more substantial push feel. Both switches provide a medium bottom out force, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of the slight variation in actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Silent White linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.3 mm between the two may not be significant to most users, but those looking for a slightly shorter press may prefer the Outemu switch. On the other hand, the Gateron switch may provide a slightly more substantial key press for those who prefer a bit more depth. In general, both switches offer similar results due to their relatively close travel distances.
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 Silent White 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 offers a unique experience with a combination of clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched characteristics, resulting in a sharp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's sound profile is unknown as there is no information provided. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of typing on the two switches, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is praised for its snappy, buttery, and polished characteristics, providing users with a responsive and smooth typing experience. Conversely, details about the typing feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch are not available. Both switches may offer similar results if they share similar qualities in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola linear switch stands out for its eye-catching design, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and unique sound profile. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Silent White linear switch is limited, making it challenging to make a direct comparison. To determine the best switch for your needs, considering factors like sound, feel, and personal preferences should guide your decision-making process.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a unique aesthetic with switches that glow in the dark, a medium heft, and a smooth typing experience with a distinctive sound profile, the Luciola may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience with no audible click, and a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Silent White switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and visual appeal in your mechanical keyboard.
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