Gateron Luciola vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon

Overview

The Gateron Luciola and KTT Sea Salt Lemon are both mechanical keyboard switches that fall under the linear category. These switches offer a notable difference in their characteristics and have individual strengths that may appeal to different users. The Luciola switches are known for their eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, which adds a unique touch to any keyboard setup. They offer a medium heft, providing a satisfying typing feel that is smooth and bouncy. Additionally, the Luciola switches produce a distinct hollow sound profile, reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches are celebrated for their buttery smooth typing experience. This can be attributed to their progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, which enhances the switch's overall performance. These switches have a low-pitched sound profile and are regarded as neutral with a mild feel. While these general characteristics might give you a sense of which switch might suit your preferences, diving deeper into their specific qualities would enable you to make an informed decision on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches differ significantly. The Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, while the Sea Salt Lemon employs polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. These differences result in contrasting sound profiles and typing experiences.

Starting with the top housing, the Luciola's INK blend creates a thin, higher-pitched, and satisfyingly clacky sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its relatively stiffer plastic. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a favorable choice for those who want to showcase their keyboard's lighting.

Moving to the bottom housing, the Luciola's INK blend maintains its pointed and high-pitched sound characteristics. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing generates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing adds a distinct quality to the typing experience, emphasizing a more substantial feedback upon bottoming out.

While the housing materials of the Luciola and the Sea Salt Lemon differ, they both offer unique sound profiles that can be attributed to their respective top and bottom housings. Typing on either switch will provide a satisfying clacky sound due to their similar INK blend top housings. However, the distinct characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing in the Sea Salt Lemon and the nylon bottom housing in the Luciola contribute to the differentiation in their sound profiles and typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Luciola has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon requires a lighter force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation force. When it comes to bottom out force, the Luciola requires 60 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Sea Salt Lemon's 53 grams.

Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon switch, as its lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. This would be ideal for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who seek a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may opt for the Luciola switch, as its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a tactile feedback that some users find satisfying.

In terms of overall weight, the Sea Salt Lemon can be considered lighter than the Luciola switch, albeit marginally. However, both switches fall within the same medium range, and thus, individuals opting for either switch would obtain similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have different travel distances. The Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Luciola. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while a travel distance of 3.0 mm is considered more shallow. However, shorter travel distances are becoming popular, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Luciola with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel might prefer the Sea Salt Lemon with its longer travel distance. While both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a unique and distinctive experience. Described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound that can be quite pleasing to the ear. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile. With a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, it provides a calming and relaxed auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience. With super responsive and smooth keystrokes, these switches make the typing experience feel lively and effortless. The Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, on the other hand, provides a mild and gentle typing experience. Its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users.

Considering all the available information, the Gateron Luciola and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Luciola switch delivers a unique sound profile with its clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched characteristics. Additionally, it provides a snappy, buttery, and polished feel during typing. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a low-pitched sound and a mild typing experience.

If you're looking for similar results, you can expect a smooth and bouncy typing feel from both switches, providing a pleasant tactile experience. However, the sound profile of the Sea Salt Lemon switch will have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the Luciola switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a visually striking switch that offers a medium heft with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, the Gateron Luciola is an excellent choice. The Luciola's unique glowing feature and "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile make it stand out among other switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a lower bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is the switch for you. The Sea Salt Lemon's progressive spring and dry-lube design contribute to its silky typing feel. Additionally, if you appreciate a low-pitched sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Overall, the Luciola is known for its snappiness and polish, while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a mild and approachable typing experience. Depending on your preferences, both switches have their unique advantages, so ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon will depend on what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more