Gateron Luciola vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Rice Pudding presents a fascinating contrast that caters to different typing preferences. The Gateron Luciola is particularly striking not only for its glowing appearance but also for its medium heft and smooth, bouncy feel that many users find enjoyable. Its distinct auditory profile, reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken, adds a unique flair to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch focuses on delivering a harmonious blend of smooth operation and a rich, deep sound, appealing to those who prioritize precision and satisfaction in their typing. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards makes it a compelling option for gamers and keyboard enthusiasts alike. Ultimately, each switch offers its unique set of benefits that will resonate differently with users based on personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, the differences in their top housing materials contribute significantly to their overall sound profile. The Luciola features Gateron's proprietary INK blend, which is designed to produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that remains satisfying and clacky. In contrast, the Rice Pudding utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for generating a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. Although both switches aim for a clear auditory experience, the Luciola's unique INK blend offers a distinct tonal quality that sets it apart from the Rice Pudding’s polycarbonate construction. Users looking for a higher-pitched sound may find that both switches cater to their preference, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
The bottom housing of each switch presents an additional point of contrast. The Luciola adopts the same proprietary INK blend as its top section, resulting in a cohesive sound quality marked by a thin and high-pitched profile that resonates through key presses. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which traditionally creates a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's inherently softer nature, which absorbs more sound and generates a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Consequently, while both switches might share the same clacky essence through their top housings, the difference in bottom materials means that their bottom-out sensations and sounds diverge significantly.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both the Gateron Luciola and Everglide Rice Pudding switches leads to unique user experiences. The INK blend creates a cohesive sound throughout for the Luciola, enhancing its clacky sound profile, while the juxtaposition of the precise polycarbonate top and softer nylon bottom in the Rice Pudding results in a distinct auditory layering. This interplay between the materials means that while both switches can deliver enjoyable experiences for typists and gamers alike, the nuanced differences will cater to individual preferences. Users aiming for a crisper sound may prefer the Rice Pudding, while those looking for a sharper tonality might lean towards the Luciola. The combination of these materials creates a rich landscape of auditory experiences in mechanical keyboards, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Weight
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Luciola features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which classifies it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Rice Pudding offers a significantly lighter experience with an actuation force of just 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This distinction means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch will find the Rice Pudding more accommodating for extended use, as it requires less effort for actuation and bottoming out. Conversely, users who enjoy the more substantial feel of a heavier switch may gravitate towards the Luciola for its firmer resistance. In summary, while the Luciola provides a medium resistance ideal for those seeking a more tactile experience, the Rice Pudding's lighter weights make it a better option for prolonged typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Luciola features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This small difference might not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel during use. Gamers who prioritize responsiveness might prefer the Rice Pudding's shorter travel distance for quicker keystrokes, while those who enjoy a more substantial or deeper feel in their key presses may gravitate toward the Luciola. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in the typing experience, with the Luciola offering a longer distance for a more pronounced feedback and the Rice Pudding providing a slightly more responsive 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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 has a distinctive sound profile characterized by a hollow noise reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. This unique auditory delivery can be classified into clacky, marbly, and high-pitched descriptors, giving it a crisp, bright, and somewhat playful sound that many typists find engaging. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a deeper sound profile that strikes a balance between richness and clarity, though specific descriptors for its acoustic characteristics are unavailable. This difference in sound may cater to various user preferences, as those who appreciate a sharper, more percussive auditory experience may gravitate toward the Luciola, while those preferring a deeper and more resonant sound might favor the Rice Pudding.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Luciola is celebrated for its smooth, bouncy typing experience, enhanced by its snappy, buttery, and polished attributes. These qualities contribute to a responsive keystroke that feels lively and effortless, making it an enjoyable choice for users who favor an engaging typing experience. The Everglide Rice Pudding's tactile qualities, however, are not detailed, leaving us with an unknown factor regarding its feel. Nevertheless, if it can offer smooth operation similar to the Luciola, it may also provide a satisfying experience, albeit potentially differing in responsiveness or feedback.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches present appealing options for enthusiasts, albeit with differing auditory characteristics that cater to unique preferences. While the Luciola delights with a playful sound and a dynamic feel, the Rice Pudding promises a smooth operation with a deeper sound profile, though further specifics on its tactile response are lacking. When considering these two switches, it’s essential to focus on personal preferences regarding sound and feel to find the perfect match for your typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between Gateron Luciola linear switches and Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force and are looking for an eye-catching switch that glows in the dark, the Luciola might be the right choice for you. Its snappy responsiveness, smooth and bouncy feel, and unique sound profile create an engaging and lively typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a bit of flair in their setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of only 48 grams, the Rice Pudding switch would cater to your need for a balanced and precise typing experience. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards adds an extra layer of versatility for gaming enthusiasts and those seeking optimal performance. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—if sound, aesthetics, and a bit more heft attract you, go for the Luciola; if you prioritize a lighter feel, smooth operation, and versatility, the Rice Pudding is your best bet. Choose the switch that resonates with your typing habits and enjoy the journey into the world of mechanical keyboards!
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