Gateron Luciola vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and Durock Sea Glass are two intriguing mechanical keyboard switches with their unique characteristics. The Luciola, known for its eye-catching glow in the dark feature, offers a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing feel. Its distinct sound profile, akin to the shaking of a spray paint can, adds a touch of excitement to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series, brought to us by Durock, boasts a captivating selection of five pastel colors and a proprietary material blend that delivers a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in the typing experience. Remarkably smooth despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches exude a weightlessness that defies expectations, showcasing their frictionless nature. Additionally, they produce a uniquely hollow sound signature when typing. Both switches have their unique charms and benefits, making it all the more important to delve deeper beyond generalities to determine the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Durock Sea Glass, it is evident that both switches have their own unique blend. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This blend creates a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, which is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches utilize a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for their top and bottom housing. This combination offers a more pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans on the brighter side.
In terms of the top housing, both switches provide a satisfying sound profile that is different but equally appealing. The Luciola's INK blend top housing produces a thin and higher-pitched sound that is not overly sharp, contributing to its clacky characteristic. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing creates a unique and pleasant sound that has a touch of brightness. Despite the differences, both top housings deliver an enjoyable and distinctive auditory experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, again, the Luciola and the Sea Glass differ in their materials used. The Luciola's INK blend bottom housing contributes to the clacky sound profile and offers a pointed and higher-pitched feel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches utilize a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for their bottom housing. This blend creates a unique impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a pleasant tactile experience with a touch of brightness. While the bottom housing materials differ, both switches aim to provide a satisfying sensation when pressing down on the keys.
In summary, comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Durock Sea Glass reveals that while they have their distinct blends, both switches strive to offer an enjoyable typing experience. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend and the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bring their own unique characteristics to the sound and feel of the switches. The top housing materials play a significant role in the sound when key release, while the bottom housing materials impact the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying tactile experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Luciola switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, slightly heavier than the Sea Glass switch's 45 grams. This means that the Luciola switch will require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Luciola switch's 60 grams is slightly lighter than the Sea Glass switch's 62 grams.
In terms of weight, these switches both fall into the medium category. The Luciola switch offers a balance between typing for longer periods and providing a substantial typing experience. It is suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force but a lighter bottom out force. The Sea Glass switch, on the other hand, offers a lighter actuation force, allowing for easier keystrokes, while still providing a slightly heavier bottom out force.
If one is looking for similar results, either switch can provide a satisfactory experience, as they both have medium actuation and bottom out forces. However, for those specifically seeking a lighter feel and longer typing sessions, the Sea Glass switch may be the better choice. Alternatively, if a user prefers a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience, the Luciola switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to individual preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have different travel distances, with the Luciola having a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Sea Glass having a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional standards, both switches fall within a reasonable range, with the Luciola being on the shallower side and the Sea Glass being slightly deeper.
For those who prioritize faster response times, the Luciola's shorter travel distance may be preferred. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances as they allow for quicker key presses and increased agility. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial and noticeable key press experience may find the Sea Glass switch with its longer travel distance more to their liking. The additional depth of the Sea Glass switch can provide a satisfying and tactile response when typing or gaming.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. Some may appreciate the crispness and speed of the Luciola's shorter travel distance, while others may find the Sea Glass's longer travel distance more satisfying. Regardless of the choice made, both switches offer unique experiences, and users can expect a notable difference in the travel distance between the two.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. This switch produces a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches feel weightless and have a frictionless nature. Typing on the Sea Glass switches also reveals a uniquely hollow sound signature. The Sea Glass switches provide a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press typing experience. While the sound and feel of these switches differ, their smoothness remains uncompromised. Depending on your preference, you can achieve similar results with either switch, but the Luciola offers a more bouncy and clacky typing feel with its hollow sound profile, while the Sea Glass provides a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness with its lighter and frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for typing sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and visually appealing switch, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice for you. With their glowing feature and smooth typing experience, you will enjoy a medium heft and a bouncy feel, accompanied by a distinct "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a captivating pastel color selection, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is an excellent option. These switches offer a typing experience that is dry, wispy, and airy, while still maintaining a smooth feel. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches provide a weightless sensation, showcasing their frictionless nature. Additionally, they produce a uniquely hollow sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your preference for either the visually stunning glow of the Luciola or the captivating pastel colors and distinct typing experience of the Sea Glass. Both switches offer medium bottom-out forces, so the decision ultimately rests on your personal aesthetic and tactile preferences.
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