Gateron Luciola vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Red Panda are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and typing experiences. The Luciola switches are known for their eye-catching glow in the dark feature, making them visually appealing. These switches provide a smooth and bouncy typing feel, accompanied by a distinct hollow sound profile reminiscent of a spray can being shaken. On the other hand, the Red Panda switches offer a light-medium amount of tactility, giving a slight bump in each keystroke. Typing on these switches produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. While both switches have their own strengths and distinctive characteristics, it is important to dive deeper beyond these generalities to determine the best switch for individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Red Panda differ significantly. The Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which results in a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, leads to a more resonant sound profile. Additionally, the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, those seeking a switch with a clear housing and vibrant RGB lighting may find the Red Panda more suitable.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Luciola once again incorporates the proprietary INK blend. This results in a pointed and higher-pitched sound profile, similar to the top housing. On the other hand, the Red Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of this plastic. Compared to harder plastics, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, those who prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller sound profile may lean towards the Red Panda due to its nylon bottom housing.
However, it is important to note that the impact of each housing material differs based on its position within the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, despite the differences in housing materials, the overall experience of using the Luciola and the Red Panda may yield similar results when it comes to the feel and sound of typing, as these factors are influenced by both the top and bottom housing in conjunction.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force differ slightly. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches, however, have a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equal in terms of resistance when fully pressed.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Red Panda would be the better choice, as its actuation force is slightly lower. This can be beneficial for those who frequently type for extended periods, as it reduces the strain on the fingers and allows for a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola provides a slightly stronger push feel with its higher actuation force, which some users may find more substantial and satisfying.
Overall, both switches offer a medium level of actuation and bottom out force, with the Red Panda leaning towards a lighter feel and the Luciola being slightly heavier. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on the preferences and typing style of the individual user.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Luciola has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered a traditional travel distance for keyboards, with 4.0 mm being the most common. However, recently, there has been a trend towards shorter travel distances in order to achieve faster response times, which is favored by gamers. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda may be more suitable for your needs. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press, the longer travel distance of the Luciola may be the better choice. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when selecting a switch, as the travel distance can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 has a unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, which is hollow and percussive. This makes it a clacky and high-pitched switch, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. It can be described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches have distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Luciola is a great choice. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound, the Red Panda is the way to go.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch provides a smooth and bouncy typing experience. It has a medium heft and is described as snappy, meaning it is super responsive. This is due to its longer or dual-staged springs, which make the typing experience feel more alive. The Luciola is also buttery, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a more mild and gentle typing experience. It stands in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. While the Red Panda offers a different level of tactility compared to the Luciola, both switches provide smooth and enjoyable typing experiences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola linear switch stands out with its eye-catching glow in the dark feature, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. It is a clacky and high-pitched switch, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a light-medium amount of tactility, a bassier bottom-out sound, and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. It is a thocky switch, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches have their own unique qualities and characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their sound and feel preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with a responsive typing experience or a deeper and richer sound with a mild typing experience, both switches offer enjoyable and satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with eye-catching aesthetics and a smooth, bouncy typing feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice. These switches have a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, offering a comfortable typing experience. With their hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, they produce a unique and satisfying sound. Additionally, the Luciola switches are known for their responsiveness, providing a snappy feel during typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light-medium amount of tactility and a bassier bottom-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch would be a better fit for you. These switches also have a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. With their raindrop-like bottom-out sound and clackier top-out sound, the Red Panda switches offer a distinctive auditory experience. Overall, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch.
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