Gateron Luciola vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Phoenix are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and characteristics. The Luciola switches are widely recognized for their eye-catching glow in the dark feature, making them visually appealing. They provide a medium heft and deliver a smooth and bouncy typing feel. Additionally, their sound profile resembles the sound of a hollow can being shaken, adding a touch of excitement to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Phoenix switches stand out with their under-skirt click mechanism, making them one of the most distinctive clicky switches available on the market today. These switches offer a crystalline and sparkling typing feel and sound profile, giving a satisfying crunch with each keystroke. While the Luciola switches are known for their snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished characteristics, the Phoenix switches showcase a crunchy and polished nature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Phoenix utilize different housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switch. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend in both the top and bottom housing, which results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying, thin, and clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the Phoenix uses a polycarbonate material for both the top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate material is beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it is translucent and enhances the visual appearance.
When comparing the top housing of the two switches, both the Luciola's INK blend and the Phoenix's polycarbonate contribute to a higher-pitched sound. However, the Luciola's INK blend provides a more clacky sound profile, whereas the polycarbonate material in the Phoenix enhances the sharpness and crispness of the sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing in the Phoenix makes it a suitable choice for those who want to showcase RGB lighting effects.
Similarly, when examining the bottom housing, both the Luciola's INK blend and the Phoenix's polycarbonate contribute to the overall sound profile. The Luciola's INK blend results in a pointed and high-pitched sound, while the polycarbonate material in the Phoenix emphasizes the sharpness and resonance of the sound. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, making it a crucial factor in the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Phoenix share similar qualities in terms of using a housing material that results in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, they differ in the specific characteristics provided by their respective materials. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend creates a clacky sound, while the Phoenix's polycarbonate material enhances sharpness and crispness. Both switches offer unique sound experiences based on their housing materials, with the Luciola's INK blend showcasing a more distinctive clacky sound, and the Phoenix's polycarbonate providing a clear and resonant sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, there are a few notable differences. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams, which means that it requires a relatively light amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Phoenix is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, both switches have a medium level of bottom out force, with the Luciola requiring 60 grams and the Phoenix requiring 62 grams. This means that both switches provide a similar resistance when fully pressed down.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Luciola due to its lighter actuation force. This allows for longer periods of typing or gaming without causing fatigue. On the other hand, some individuals may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, in which case the heavier bottom out force of the Phoenix would be more suitable.
Overall, while the actuation force of the two switches differs, they both offer a medium level of bottom out force. Consequently, individuals seeking a similar typing experience may find similar results with these switches, albeit with slightly different levels of resistance during actuation.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch have differing travel distances. The Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Phoenix has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both distances are shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, they still offer a substantial amount of key travel. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times, making the Luciola a suitable choice for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a switch with a longer travel distance such as the Phoenix. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of key 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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 "hollow can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. This sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, giving a satisfying clacky typing experience. Additionally, the Luciola switch has a chirpy characteristic, adding a subtle squeak to the sound, setting it apart from other switches. The Luciola switch can also be described as marbly, producing a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound reminiscent of tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound without rich and bassy tones, the Luciola linear switch is a great option.
On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offers a distinctive crunchiness in its sound profile. This sound resembles stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves, providing a satisfying clicky typing experience. With its under-skirt click mechanism, the Phoenix switch stands out as one of the most unique clicky switches available. This switch ensures a crystalline and sparkling typing sound, delivering a satisfying auditory experience for users who enjoy clicky switches.
In terms of feel, both the Luciola and Phoenix switches share a polished characteristic. This indicates that both switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and effortless typing experience. Additionally, this polished quality reduces friction and promotes smooth key travel for both switches. The Luciola switch is described as having a snappy feel, which implies super responsiveness and a lively typing experience. It achieves this through longer or dual-staged springs. The Luciola switch also offers a buttery feel, ensuring seamless and uniform key activation with each press. Similarly, the Phoenix switch offers a polished feel, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switch excels in producing a clacky and marbly sound, along with a snappy and buttery feel. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch stands out with its crunchiness sound and polished feel. Both switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience due to their polished characteristic. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors in combination with the switch characteristics to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium heft switch with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, as well as a unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, then the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches also have the added bonus of glowing in the dark, making them visually appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a crystalline and sparkling typing feel and sound profile, and enjoy the satisfying clicky sound associated with stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, then the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is the way to go. Both switches have a bottom out force of 60-62 grams, which falls into the medium range, and offer a polished finish for smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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