Gateron Luciola vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and TTC Silent Brown are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different experiences for typists. On one hand, the Luciola switches are known for their eye-catching glow in the dark feature, providing a unique aesthetic for keyboard enthusiasts. These switches are medium in weight, providing a smooth and bouncy typing feel. Additionally, the Luciola switches produce a distinct sound profile described as a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken". On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying rounded tactile bump. They offer a light-medium level of resistance and are praised for their muted sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
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 TTC Silent Brown differ in terms of their housing materials. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Silent Brown uses a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Luciola also utilizes the proprietary INK blend material, which again offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This contributes to the switch's overall clacky sound. However, the Silent Brown employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Luciola.
Although there are differences in housing materials, it is important to note that both the Luciola and Silent Brown share some similarities. Both switches utilize proprietary blends for their top housing, resulting in a satisfying sound profile. They both offer clacky sound characteristics, with the Luciola featuring a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while the Silent Brown provides a sharper and crisper sound. Furthermore, both switches exhibit a focus on sound quality, with the Luciola's INK blend top and bottom housings and the Silent Brown's stiffer polycarbonate top housing and sound-absorbing nylon bottom housing. Overall, these similarities ensure that users can expect similar results when it comes to sound production.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Luciola has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, whereas the Silent Brown requires a lighter force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Luciola at 60 grams and the Silent Brown at 63.5 grams. Therefore, if one prefers a lighter and more responsive feel, the Silent Brown would be the preferred choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, if one desires a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Luciola with its higher actuation force would be the better option. Overall, the weight of the switches is worth considering as it can affect typing comfort and endurance for extended periods of typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have different travel distances. The Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Silent Brown has a slightly deeper travel distance compared to the Luciola.
Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, with the rise of gaming, shorter travel distances have become more popular due to their faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Luciola with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper keystroke feel, the Silent Brown's longer travel distance might be more to your liking.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Both switches offer their own advantages and it is important to consider factors such as gaming requirements, typing comfort, and overall feel before making a decision.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. This means that when pressed, you can expect a hollow and slightly metallic sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a "muted" sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular switch. So if you prefer a more distinct and slightly metallic sound, the Luciola switch would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a quieter and more muted typing experience, the Silent Brown switch would be the way to go.
In terms of feel, both switches share some similarities. They are both described as providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, which is often referred to as a "buttery" feel. This means that they offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, both switches are described as having a "polished" feel, indicating that they have a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, one difference worth noting is that the Luciola switch is also described as "snappy," which means it is super responsive and provides a more lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch is described as "mild," offering a more gentle typing experience that stands in a safe and approachable middle-ground zone. So, if you prefer a slightly more responsive and lively feel, the Luciola switch would be a good choice, while the Silent Brown switch would be a great option for a gentler typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switch provides a unique and slightly metallic sound profile, along with a snappy and buttery feel. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch offers a more muted sound profile and a mild, buttery feel. Both switches have a polished finish and provide a smooth and refined typing experience. So, depending on your preferences, you can choose the switch that aligns with your desired sound and feel. It's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a medium bottom out force, as well as a unique glow-in-the-dark feature, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches also have a distinct clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound profile if that is something you prefer. On the other hand, if you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. These switches provide a buttery and polished feel, making typing seamless and effortless. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would depend on whether you value the glow-in-the-dark feature and the specific sound and feel characteristics that each switch offers.
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