Gateron Luciola vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique characteristics of their options. The Gateron Luciola stands out with its visually striking glow-in-the-dark feature, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy a little flair alongside functionality. With a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing experience, the Luciola also delivers a distinctive sound profile that some describe as reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken, offering a fun auditory element. In contrast, the Huano Sakura presents itself as an ideal switch for prolonged typing sessions, thanks to its feather-light touch and medium acoustics that allow for minimal finger fatigue. While the Luciola offers an engaging tactile and auditory experience, the Sakura focuses on comfort and ease of use, appealing to users who prioritize typing endurance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Huano Sakura, significant differences and similarities emerge. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, which contributes to its distinctive sound profile. This material is noted for producing a high-pitched, clacky sound, which enthusiasts often enjoy for its satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Sakura utilizes a POK material for its top housing, designed for exceptional smoothness and durability with a slightly higher coefficient of friction than other common materials like LY. This difference results in a sound that aligns closely with the Luciola's upper register, but the contrasting material could lead to more nuanced characteristics in the auditory experience.
In contrast to the Luciola's top housing, which maintains a consistent sound profile, the Sakura's bottom housing is crafted from nylon. This classic material absorbs sound more effectively, delivering a deeper and fuller audio experience that contrasts with the sharper sound produced by the INK blend of the Luciola. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to create a rounder sound profile, which would affect the overall acoustic response when typing. As such, while the Luciola produces a clacky high-pitched sound on both the top and bottom, the Sakura's combination of POK and nylon results in a split sound profile that balances the characteristic clackiness with a richer undertone.
Both switches display complementary aspects, notably in how their housing materials influence overall performance. While the top housing of the Luciola and Sakura varies, both can deliver a satisfying response when pressed. The bottom housing's characteristics play a crucial role here; the Luciola's INK blend maintains a high-pitched sound, while the Sakura's nylon contributes to a fuller bottom-out experience. As a result, while the sound profiles differ, one can achieve a similar overall feel through careful attention to the dynamics of each switch’s materials, making tuning and customization possible for the user’s typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Luciola features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Sakura is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. This difference means that users who prioritize extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons may find the Sakura more comfortable and less fatiguing. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may gravitate towards the heavier Luciola switch. Overall, while both switches serve their purposes, the Luciola is the heavier option, whereas the Sakura caters to those seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that when pressed, they travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users will experience a comparable feel when actuating these switches, leading to similar results in terms of keypress depth and feedback. Since both switches share this identical travel distance, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of key engagement between the two options.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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 sound profile of the Gateron Luciola switch is characterized by its unique acoustic qualities, often described as clacky, chirpy, and high-pitched, which together create a lively auditory experience reminiscent of a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken." This distinctive sound offers a bright and snappy auditory feedback with a bit of resonance, making it suitable for those who enjoy an energetic typing environment. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is known for its medium acoustics but lacks specific descriptors, suggesting a more subdued and balanced sound. While it may not draw as much attention as the Luciola in terms of auditory feedback, it provides a consistent typing experience that could be preferable for long typing sessions where harsh sounds may become distracting.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Gateron Luciola stands out with its medium heft, embodying a smooth and bouncy typing sensation that is both snappy and buttery. This combination allows for an engaging and responsive typing experience that feels lively under the fingers. The polished finish further enhances this smoothness, allowing for effortless key travel. Meanwhile, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch, which may provide a different kind of responsiveness that could cater to users who prefer a lighter actuation force. However, there is no detailed description available for the Sakura's tactile feedback, making it challenging to compare the overall feel with the clarity and richness found in the Luciola’s experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Luciola switches shine with a vibrant sound profile and a lively, smooth feel perfect for those enjoying pronounced auditory feedback and engaging typing experiences, the Huano Sakura switches offer a lighter touch that may favor extended use with less auditory stimulation. Each switch has its appeal, depending on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, and while they cater to different tastes, the choice largely hinges on whether one values pronounced auditory cues or a quieter, more subtle typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Luciola and the Huano Sakura linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you appreciate a bit more heft in your keystrokes alongside a unique acoustic profile, the Gateron Luciola, with its 60-gram bottom-out force, offers a smooth, bouncy feel that is both snappy and polished, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback and a slightly more pronounced sound reminiscent of a "clacky" environment. Its striking glow-in-the-dark feature also adds an aesthetic flair, perfect for anyone looking to enhance their keyboard's visual appeal. On the other hand, if you often type for extended periods and prefer a lighter touch, the Huano Sakura, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, provides a feather-light experience combined with a medium acoustics profile, making it ideal for long-form writing or gaming without causing fatigue. Its unobtrusive sound and responsive feel ensure a comfortable typing session, allowing you to maintain focus without distraction. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and environmental factors, and let these characteristics guide your choice.
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