Gateron Luciola vs. KTT Purple Click

Overview

If you’re in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that stands out both visually and audibly, the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Purple Click are two fantastic options to consider. The Luciola switches are known for their eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, while the Purple Click switches offer a satisfying and pronounced click that is not too overwhelming. In terms of typing feel, the Luciola switches have a smooth and bouncy feel, accompanied by a distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Click switches provide a light keystroke with pronounced tactility, creating a perfect equilibrium of clickiness. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is the most suited for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Luciola and KTT Purple Click differ in terms of their housing materials. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This gives the switch a satisfying clacky sound without being overly sharp. In contrast, the Purple Click utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it suitable for RGB lighting.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Luciola again uses the proprietary INK blend material, contributing to its pointed and higher-pitched sound profile. This creates a clacky sound, similar to that of the top housing. In contrast, the Purple Click uses a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This gives the Purple Click a duller and rounder sound compared to the Luciola.

When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switches, the housing materials play a significant role. The Luciola's INK blend housing, both top and bottom, contributes to its thin, higher-pitched, and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing enhances its sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the choice of nylon for the Purple Click's bottom housing adds depth and a fuller sound. It's important to note that while the housing materials differ, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams but a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category.

Considering the weight of the switches, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the lighter actuation force of the Purple Click to be more suitable. This allows for longer typing sessions without causing strain or fatigue. The Luciola, with its medium actuation force, may also offer a comfortable typing experience for extended periods but with a slightly heavier feel.

For those who prefer a stronger and more substantial typing experience, the heavier bottom out force of both switches, particularly the Luciola with its 60 gram bottom out force, can provide the desired push feel. These heavier forces can create a more satisfying tactile feedback while typing, making them suitable for individuals seeking a more robust and pronounced keystroke.

In summary, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a medium actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a lighter actuation force and a medium-light bottom out force. These differences make the Luciola switch feel slightly heavier overall compared to the Purple Click. However, both switches offer options for individuals who prefer lighter or heavier typing experiences, ensuring that users can find switches that suit their particular preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is clear that there is a difference in their respective distances. The Luciola offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple Click has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance, the Luciola would be the better option, as it provides a more responsive feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Purple Click with its longer travel distance would be the recommended choice. It is important to note that while the Luciola offers a slightly shorter distance, both switches would provide satisfactory results, as they fall within the range of typical travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Luciola and the KTT Purple Click switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound. The Luciola switches have a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. This means that when pressed, they produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Purple Click switches have a fairly high-pitched, satisfying click. They sound like stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Luciola switches being clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, while the Purple Click switches are crunchy and resonant. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Luciola switches are known for their medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel. They are snappy and responsive, providing a super responsive typing experience. These switches have a buttery and polished feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switches offer an invigorating typing sensation. They have pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. While the Luciola switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, the Purple Click switches offer a stepped feel, meaning they have some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches.

In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola and KTT Purple Click switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Purple Click switches have a clicky and resonant sound. In terms of feel, the Luciola switches offer a smooth, bouncy, and snappy typing experience, while the Purple Click switches provide a pronounced, invigorating, and stepped feel. It's important to consider your personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as they provide distinct typing experiences. However, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer satisfying feedback and a degree of tactility.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who values medium weight switches and enjoys a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a distinct click sound, then the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches are not only visually appealing with their glow-in-the-dark feature, but also offer a pleasant typing experience with their medium-bottom-out force of 60 grams. The Luciola switch is described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched in terms of sound, and snappy, buttery, and polished in terms of feel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a satisfying and high-pitched click, then the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, these switches provide a lighter and more effortless typing experience while still offering pronounced tactility. The Purple Click switch is described as crunchy and resonant in terms of sound, and invigorating and stepped in terms of feel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch boils down to personal preference. If you prioritize a smooth and bouncy typing feel with medium weight and a distinct click sound, go for the Luciola switch. However, if you prefer a lighter switch with a satisfying click and pronounced tactility, the Purple Click switch is the better option. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more