Gateron Luciola vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and the SP-Star Polaris Purple are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique qualities for keyboard enthusiasts. The Luciola is widely recognized for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, making it a visually appealing choice. With a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing feel, the Luciola provides a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, its hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile adds a touch of novelty and uniqueness to the switch. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple stands out for its exhilarating tactile typing experience, thanks to its prominent tactile bump. This switch offers a snappy sound profile, adding a sense of satisfaction to each keystroke. While the Luciola focuses on visual appeal and a smooth typing experience, the Polaris Purple prioritizes a tactile sensation and a lively sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can determine the best switch for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and the SP-Star Polaris Purple differ in their housing materials. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Polaris Purple uses a polycarbonate material for both the top and bottom housing. The INK blend top housing of the Luciola provides a pointed and higher-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Purple creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and clear translucency that is especially beneficial for RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches have different materials. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its thin and higher-pitched sound, which is also described as clacky. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple further enhances its sharper and crisper sound profile. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed.
However, when it comes to the sound when releasing a key, the top housing plays a more crucial role. The INK blend top housing of the Luciola delivers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound upon key release, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Purple ensures a more clear and resonant sound profile. Both switches offer distinct sound experiences upon key releases due to their different top housing materials.
In summary, the Gateron Luciola and the SP-Star Polaris Purple have different housing materials, resulting in varied sound profiles. The Luciola's INK blend material provides a clacky and satisfying thin sound, while the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate material creates a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches have their unique characteristics when it comes to the bottom and top housing, impacting the sound and feel during key presses and releases.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Luciola is 55 grams, while the Polaris Purple's actuation force is unavailable. In terms of bottom out force, the Luciola requires 60 grams, whereas the Polaris Purple requires 67 grams.
Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a satisfying tactile feedback during typing. However, it is important to note that the Luciola is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Polaris Purple. This lighter weight may be preferable for individuals who prioritize extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it reduces strain on the fingers.
On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers a slightly heavier typing experience with its higher bottom out force. This can provide a more substantial push feel and may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing.
Overall, while the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches differ, they both offer a pleasant typing experience. Those seeking a lighter touch may lean towards the Luciola, while individuals desiring a stronger push feel may find the Polaris Purple more suitable.
Travel distance
Comparatively, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Polaris Purple is longer than the Luciola. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Polaris Purple falls within the range of traditional distances, offering a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Luciola's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm appeals to gamers who prioritize quicker response times. This shorter travel distance allows for faster key presses, making it a popular choice among gamers who require swift reactions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences. If responsiveness is crucial, the Luciola's shorter travel distance may be the ideal option. However, if a more profound and tactile typing experience is desired, the Polaris Purple's longer travel distance would be the better choice.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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
The Gateron Luciola linear switch is best known for its medium heft and smooth, bouncy typing feel. When it comes to sound, the Luciola switch has a distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" hollow sound profile. It produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, which can be described as sharp, crisp, and percussive. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch provides an exhilarating tactile typing experience due to its big tactile bump. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple is snappy. However, the specific sound descriptors for this switch are unknown. In terms of feel, the Luciola switch is snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. It also has a buttery and polished feel, providing smooth and fluid keystrokes. The Polaris Purple switch, on the other hand, offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users. It also has a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, while both switches have similarities in terms of a polished feel, the Luciola offers a bouncy typing feel and a "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, while the Polaris Purple provides a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile. Depending on personal preferences and usage scenarios, one may prefer the smooth and bouncy experience of the Luciola or the exhilarating tactile typing experience of the Polaris Purple.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a unique glowing feature, then the Gateron Luciola linear switch is a great option for you. These switches provide a medium heft, making them suitable for a wide range of users. They also offer a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound profile, depending on your preference. Additionally, the Luciola switches are described as snappy, buttery, or polished, which ensures a responsive and enjoyable typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be the ideal choice. These switches deliver an exhilarating tactile typing experience, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. The Polaris Purple switches are also described as offering a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. Moreover, like the Luciola switches, they also feature a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Whether you prioritize a bouncy and smooth typing experience or a satisfying tactile feel, both the Gateron Luciola and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches offer unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience. So, consider your preferences and needs when making your choice.
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