Gateron Luciola vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and the Kailh Sage are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Luciola switches are renowned for their eye-catching glow in the dark feature, making them not only functional but visually appealing. With their medium heft, these switches provide a smooth and bouncy typing feel. Additionally, the Luciola switches emit a distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, creating an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switches offer a distinct clicky typing experience. They are noticeably heavy, giving them a satisfying weightiness when typing. The refreshing sharp clickiness of the Sage switches adds an invigorating element to typing sessions.
While these general descriptions give you a taste of what each switch has to offer, it is essential to dive further into their specific characteristics to determine which switch best suits your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and the Kailh Sage differ in their choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom sections of the switch. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying, clacky sound that is not overly sharp. On the other hand, the Sage utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Luciola and the Sage again diverge in their material choice. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing shares the same characteristics as its top housing, resulting in a thin, higher-pitched, and clacky sound. In contrast, the Sage employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing.
When both top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each material are felt and heard differently. The bottom housing, which is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, will have a greater impact on the typing experience when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing will play a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Although the materials used in the housings may vary, it is important to consider how these differences contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience of the switches.
In summary, the Gateron Luciola and the Kailh Sage showcase contrasting housing materials for their top and bottom sections. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend creates a clacky and relatively high-pitched sound, while the Sage's polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing produces a thin and higher-pitched sound, while the Sage's nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound profile. Understanding the implications of these material choices can help individuals select the switch that best aligns with their desired typing experience and sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is lighter compared to the Sage, where the actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Luciola requiring 60 grams and the Sage requiring 70 grams.
The weight of a switch is an important consideration for many users. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Luciola, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for work or extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For those users, the heavier bottom-out force of the Sage may be more suitable. This additional resistance can provide a satisfying response and a sense of greater feedback with each keystroke.
While the actuation forces differ between the two switches, both fall within the medium range for bottom-out forces. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the overall typing experience, as the keys will require a similar amount of pressure to fully depress.
In summary, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have differing actuation forces, with the Luciola being lighter. However, their bottom-out forces are similar, both falling within the medium range. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on whether one prefers a lighter feel for longer typing sessions or a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and smooth key press experience, making them suitable for typing or gaming purposes. Regardless of whether you choose the Luciola or the Sage switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 and Kailh Sage switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switch has a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, which can be described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart. In terms of feel, the Luciola switch offers a smooth and bouncy typing experience, with a snappy, buttery, and polished feel. They are super responsive and provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience with a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The Sage switch has a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness, providing a pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. The tactile bump of the Sage switch is strong and crisp, creating a high feedback intensity and a distinctive feel with each keypress.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola and Kailh Sage switches have different sound and feel qualities. The Luciola switch offers a medium heft, a smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a hollow sound profile. It is clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. On the other hand, the Sage switch has a heavy weight, a distinct clicky typing experience, and a crunchy sound. It provides an invigorating and sharp feel with a prominent tactile bump. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and the final result will depend on the choice of board, keycaps, and personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for an eye-catching switch that glows in the dark and offers a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a hollow sound profile resembling a can of spray paint being shaken, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage clicky switch would be the better option. When it comes to sound, the Luciola switch offers a range of options including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sounds, while the Sage switch is characterized by a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. In terms of feel, the Luciola switch provides a snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience with smooth and refined finishes, reduced friction, and seamless key travel. Meanwhile, the Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, along with a moderate to firm actuation force and a reactive feel. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal preference for glow-in-the-dark switches and a bouncy typing feel or distinct clickiness and pronounced tactile feedback.
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