Gateron Luciola vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it's clear that these two switches offer different typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Gateron Luciola is known for its glow-in-the-dark feature, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a distinct hollow sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze doesn't have a standout feature like glow-in-the-dark, but it offers a clicky typing experience without any specific descriptors aside from its category. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and any unique features that stand out to you. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches offer unique characteristics when it comes to sound profiles. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing provide a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. In contrast, the Spring Breeze's nylon top and bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer satisfying typing experiences with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of material composition, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend housing is characterized by a satisfyingly thin and higher-pitched sound, creating a unique clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze's nylon housing is a classic choice known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softer nature of the material that absorbs more sound. While the sound profiles of these two housing materials may vary, they both offer excellent tactile feedback and typing feel that can enhance the overall typing experience.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and Outemu Spring Breeze switches, it is important to consider how each material impacts the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches provide similar results in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience, making them both viable options for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles.
Weight
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Luciola has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods of time. Both switches fall in the medium range for actuation force, but the Luciola is heavier in bottom out force compared to the Spring Breeze. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Luciola offers a slightly quicker keypress due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Luciola for its faster response time, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Spring Breeze. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the slight variance in travel distance can make a difference in the overall feel and speed of typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Spring Breeze 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 is known for its clacky and chirpy sound profile, which is sharp and snappy with a hint of squeakiness. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, so it is difficult to compare directly. However, based on the information available, it is likely that the Luciola switch would have a more distinctive and unique sound compared to the Spring Breeze switch in terms of clickiness and percussiveness.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is described as snappy and buttery, providing a responsive and smooth typing experience. The Spring Breeze switch does not have any specific feel descriptors listed, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of typing feel. However, based on the information provided, it can be inferred that the Luciola switch may offer a more refined and seamless typing sensation compared to the Spring Breeze switch.
Overall, while the specific sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch are unknown, it is evident that the Gateron Luciola linear switch is designed to provide a bouncy and smooth typing feel with a clacky and chirpy sound profile. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a unique sound and a responsive typing experience, the Luciola switch may be the better choice. However, if you prefer the clicky sound of the unknown qualities of the Spring Breeze switch, you may still achieve similar results depending on other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is important to consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a smoother and bouncier typing feel, and enjoy a clacky or chirpy sound profile, then the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, are looking for a clicky switch with a distinct sound profile, and prefer a typing experience that is described as snappy, buttery, or polished, then the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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