Gateron Luciola vs. Outemu Tom

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Tom offer unique features for different preferences. The Gateron Luciola is a linear switch famous for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark design. With a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a distinctive sound profile resembling a "can of spray paint being shaken," this switch is categorized as snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch without any notable unique features. It is categorized as a blank slate. While the Luciola may appeal to those looking for a visually appealing switch with a satisfying typing experience, the Tom provides a more understated choice. 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 Tom Tactile

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Tom, there are notable differences between the two. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing that offers a thin and higher-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Tom utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, more crisp sound profile due to its stiffness. While the Luciola's top housing provides a satisfying and unique sound, the Tom's polycarbonate housing offers a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Luciola's proprietary INK blend offers a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile as its top housing. This results in a consistent and cohesive sound when using the switch. In contrast, the Outemu Tom's nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to the switch. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This distinction in sound quality adds variety and versatility to the switch's overall typing experience.

In considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switch, it becomes clear that each material contributes unique qualities to the typing experience. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. The differences between the proprietary INK blend and polycarbonate materials in the top housing, as well as between the INK blend and nylon materials in the bottom housing, highlight how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound profile and typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.

Weight

The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch both have an actuation force of 55 grams. However, the Luciola has a slightly higher bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Tom, where the bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Luciola is considered to be on the lighter side with its medium actuation and bottom out forces. This makes it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Tom switch may offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, when comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches, users who prioritize lighter switches may prefer the Luciola, while those looking for a heavier typing experience may lean towards the Tom.

Travel distance

The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Outemu Tom has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Luciola. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for a quicker response time, especially gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Gateron Luciola, while those who prioritize speed and responsiveness may opt for the Outemu Tom. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, giving users a choice based on their personal preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its unique sound profile characterized by a clacky, chirpy, Marbly, and high-pitched noise when pressed. This distinctive sound is often likened to a can of spray paint being shaken, making typing on these switches quite audible and satisfying. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the sound produced by a switch can also depend on other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a typing experience described as snappy, buttery, and polished. These qualities indicate that the switch is highly responsive, smooth, and refined, providing a pleasant and consistent typing sensation. Unfortunately, details about the tactile feel of the Outemu Tom switch are not provided in the information given. While tactile switches are generally known for their pronounced feedback and bump during keystrokes, without specific descriptors for the Tom switch, it is challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two.

In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola linear switch stands out for its distinct sound profile and smooth typing feel, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, due to the lack of information about the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is difficult to provide a comprehensive comparison between the two switches. However, based on the provided qualities, it can be concluded that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience. Ultimately, selecting the right switch comes down to personal preference and the kind of typing experience desired.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Luciola linear switch or the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is important to think about your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force, eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a clacky and chirpy sound profile, then the Luciola might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, are indifferent to aesthetic features, and are looking for a unique sound and feel experience, you might lean towards the Tom switch. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and what you value most in a keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more