Gateron Luciola vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and the KTT Peach are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct characteristics for enthusiasts seeking a unique typing experience. The Luciola is renowned for its eye-catching feature of glowing in the dark, making it stand out among other switches. It offers a medium heft, providing users with a satisfying typing feel that is smooth and bouncy. Additionally, the Luciola produces a hollow sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the Peach switch by KTT boasts multiple prized qualities of a linear switch. With a syrupy smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Peach switch delivers a satisfying tactile response. While these general distinctions make them appealing in their own ways, diving deeper into the specific features and characteristics of each switch will ultimately help you make the best decision suited to your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of Gateron Luciola and KTT Peach switches differ in several ways. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying thin and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Peach switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Luciola and Peach switches continue to diverge in their choice of materials. The Luciola utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. The Peach, on the other hand, incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Peach switch.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housing materials have different impacts on the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will primarily affect the sound when releasing a key. While the Luciola and Peach switches differ in their housing materials, they both provide satisfying sound profiles, albeit with different characteristics depending on whether it's the top or bottom housing at play.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Luciola requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Peach requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Luciola has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Peach has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. These variances indicate that the Luciola switch is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Peach switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Peach switch would be a better choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out. This lighter weight can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods, such as professionals at work or avid gamers. On the other hand, the Luciola switch would be suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Luciola switch can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of durability.
In terms of similarities, both the Luciola and Peach switches can offer a medium level of actuation and bottom out forces. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the overall typing experience, albeit with the slight differences in weight. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience – whether one prefers a lighter touch or a more robust feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch have different travel distances. The Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Peach has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Peach switch travels a bit further from top to bottom compared to the Luciola switch. Generally, a travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.6 mm is slightly shorter. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Luciola with its shorter travel distance would be a good choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer switches with a bit more depth. In that case, the Peach switch with its longer travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 and distinctive experience. It is described as having a clacky and chirpy sound, which adds a crisp and bright percussive element to each key press. Additionally, the Luciola switch is known for its marbly characteristics, producing a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound reminiscent of tapping on marble or billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the KTT Peach linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for users who prefer a richer sound profile without being overly sharp or crisp. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch provides a smooth and bouncy typing experience. It is described as snappy, offering a super responsive feel that adds a sense of liveliness to each keystroke. The Luciola switch also has a buttery and polished feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. This is achieved through the use of longer or dual-staged springs, as well as a smooth and refined finish resulting from materials and factory lubing. On the other hand, the KTT Peach linear switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience. It provides a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel, appealing to a wide range of users without having pronounced characteristics.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola linear switch stands out with its eye-catching glow in the dark feature and distinctive sound and feel. It offers a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a sound profile that resembles a shaken can of spray paint. On the other hand, the KTT Peach linear switch is known for its syrupy smooth typing experience and deep, thocky sound profile. While both switches offer unique qualities, they cater to different preferences. If you are seeking a sharp, snappy, and marbly sound with a snappy and polished feel, the Luciola switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild and gentle typing experience, the Peach switch would provide similar results. Remember to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps to fully optimize sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. The Luciola has a slightly higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Peach has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. If you prefer a medium feel, the Luciola is a good choice, while if you prefer a slightly lighter feel, the Peach may be more suitable.
In terms of sound, the Luciola offers a range of options including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. These switches produce sharp and crisp sounds when pressed, adding some character to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Peach is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. These switches provide a bass-heavy and mellow tone, suitable for those who prefer a more relaxed and moderate sound.
Considering the feel of the switches, the Luciola offers options such as snappy, buttery, and polished. These switches are known for their responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Peach is described as having a mild feel. These switches offer a gentle and approachable typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Peach will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Consider your desired typing experience and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences. Whether you prefer a medium feel with a range of sound options or a lighter feel with a mellower sound, both switches offer their own unique characteristics to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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