Gateron Luciola vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Semi Mute switches. The Gateron Luciola switches are known for their eye-catching glow in the dark feature. With a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing feel, these switches offer a unique experience. Additionally, the hollow sound profile of the Luciola switches adds a touch of novelty to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches are specifically designed for those who value a noise-free environment. Despite their completely silent operation, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. Their linear actuation and advanced dampening technology make sure that your late-night typing sessions remain undisturbed. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Semi Mute switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance in the sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi Mute is particularly beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting. Its translucency allows the lighting effects to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. The Luciola's INK blend top housing, while not translucent, still provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound without being overly sharp.
Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches also differ in material composition. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a similar sound profile to its top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. The Semi Mute, on the other hand, utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant and clear sound during bottom-out actions.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the overall sound experience. The bottom housing primarily affects the sound and feel when you press down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material in each switch will result in different sound profiles during key presses and releases.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, one noticeable difference lies in their actuation forces. The Luciola requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Semi Mute requires a lighter 43 grams. This means that the Semi Mute offers a lighter touch and may be preferable for those who value a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 58 grams. This indicates that the Luciola provides a slightly more substantial typing feel when fully pressing down on the keys. Both switches can be categorized as having a medium level of actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, if one is looking for a similar result in terms of weight, the Luciola and Semi Mute would both offer a medium resistance that caters to a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it becomes clear that the Luciola has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Semi Mute has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference of 0.4 mm may seem small, but it can make a noticeable impact on the typing experience.
If you are someone who values faster response times, the Luciola with its shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice for you. Its 3.6 mm travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes, making it popular among gamers who require swift reactions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial depth to your keystrokes, the Semi Mute's 4 mm travel distance would be better suited to your preferences.
It is important to note that while shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly prevalent, some individuals find them to be too abrupt. Therefore, personal preference plays a significant role in determining which switch would be more suitable for each individual. Ultimately, both the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Semi Mute offer different travel distances, allowing users to choose the option that best aligns with their typing style and preferences.
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 KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is best described as having a "hollow 'can of spray paint being shaken' sound profile." This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a unique and distinct sound that can be compared to the sound of shaking a spray paint can. It has a clacky and chirpy sound, and can also be described as marbly and high-pitched. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is known for its completely silent operation. It is a muted switch that produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. It has a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate sound with a minimal noise level. Overall, these two switches offer contrasting sound qualities. If you prefer a louder and more distinct sound, the Luciola switch would be more suitable. However, if you value a noise-free environment and desire a quieter typing experience, then the Semi Mute switch would be the better choice.
When it comes to the feel, both switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Gateron Luciola switch is described as snappy, which means it is super responsive and has a more alive typing experience. It also has a buttery feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Luciola switch can be considered polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch also offers a buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience similar to the Luciola switch. It is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. Both switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for the user.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Luciola switch stands out with its clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, while also offering a snappy, buttery, and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch provides a completely silent and muted sound profile, paired with a buttery and mild typing feel. It ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer their own unique characteristics. If you prefer a louder and more distinctive sound with a more responsive typing feel, the Luciola switch is the way to go. However, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and desire a quieter typing experience with a smoother keystroke, the Semi Mute switch would be the better choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs.
If you prioritize a unique and eye-catching aesthetic, along with a medium heft and bouncy typing feel, the Luciola switch could be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound profile, this switch can provide a sharp and snappy typing experience.
On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute switch is tailored for your needs. With advanced dampening technology, this switch provides a comfortable and gratifying typing feel while producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches.
Both switches offer a buttery typing experience, ensuring smooth and fluid keystrokes. Whether you prefer a more refined and polished finish or a gentler typing experience, both switches can provide a seamless and effortless sensation.
In the end, you should consider the Gateron Luciola linear switch if you prioritize an aesthetically pleasing and bouncy typing experience with a unique sound profile. However, if a noise-free environment and a comfortable typing feel are your main priorities, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is the way to go. Ultimately, make your decision based on your individual preferences and requirements.
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