Gateron Luciola vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear they each have unique features that appeal to different preferences. The Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark design and smooth, bouncy typing feel, complemented by a distinctive sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Star boasts an all-POM construction for a buttery smooth typing experience and a light 45g bottom-out ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. While these general pointers can help you narrow down your choices, it's essential to delve deeper into the specifics to determine which switch best suits your individual needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and KTT Purple Star switches differ in terms of sound profile and overall feel. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing that creates a thin, higher-pitched, and clacky sound when pressed, while the Purple Star uses a POM top housing that provides a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of bottom housing, the Luciola also utilizes the INK blend material, offering a similar high-pitched sound profile, while the Purple Star utilizes a POM bottom housing which results in a deeper and more muted sound upon bottoming out.
Although both switches have different top and bottom housing materials, they both aim to offer a unique and pleasing sound profile. The Gateron Luciola's INK blend housing provides a pointed and sharp sound that is satisfying to many users, while the KTT Purple Star's POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound that appeals to a different set of users. Despite these differences, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and KTT Purple Star switches, it is important to consider the impact of each material on the overall sound profile and typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material will impact the sound when a key is released. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences and typing styles in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are noticeable differences. The Luciola switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Purple Star's lighter 43 grams. Similarly, the Luciola switch also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Purple Star's 50 grams. The Luciola provides a more medium resistance feel, while the Purple Star offers a lighter typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Purple Star may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, the Luciola switch may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the KTT Purple Star for faster response times, while those who prefer a more in-depth feel may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Gateron Luciola. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and keypress feel. In this case, the Purple Star has the shorter travel distance, but both switches offer a similar experience overall.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
The Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its unique sound profile, described as clacky, chirpy, and marbly, giving it a distinctive and lively auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide different sound qualities, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola switch is recognized for its snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience, offering a responsive and smooth keystroke sensation. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switch provides a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, making it approachable to a wide range of users with its gentle resistance and light actuation force. Each switch caters to different preferences in typing feel, whether one prefers a more responsive and lively feel or a gentle and comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Luciola linear switch stands out for its eye-catching glow, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a clacky and unique sound profile. In comparison, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience with an all-POM construction, low-pitched sound signature, and light 45g bottom-out for comfortable typing. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron Luciola and KTT Purple Star switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a medium-weight switch with a unique glow-in-the-dark feature, a bouncy typing feel, and a clacky or chirpy sound profile, then the Luciola may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a buttery smooth typing experience, a neutral sound signature, and a low-impact typing feel, then the Purple Star could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches should be based on your personal preferences in terms of weight, sound, and typing experience.
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