Gateron Luciola vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black

Overview

The Gateron Luciola and Gateron Silent Ink Black are both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Luciola is widely recognized for its eye-catching glow in the dark feature, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a visually appealing keyboard. With a medium heft, the Luciola provides a smooth and bouncy typing experience, paired with a distinct hollow sound that resembles a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch stands out for its focus on noise reduction. Ideal for environments that require quieter typing, this switch offers a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel while minimizing audio feedback. Categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Silent Ink Black switch delivers a more subdued experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision when choosing between these two switches.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Silent Ink Black share similar housing materials. Both switches feature a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This sound profile is described as satisfyingly thin and clacky. The top housing's influence can be felt when releasing a key, as it primarily affects the sound produced during this action. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound characteristics when using either switch.

However, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ for a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the two parts. In this case, the Gateron Luciola and Gateron Silent Ink Black need to be evaluated separately for their bottom housing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, users may experience variations in sound and tactile feedback between the two switches at the moment of pressing down.

Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Silent Ink Black share many similarities. From the description provided, it seems that both switches utilize the same proprietary INK blend for their top and bottom housings. As a result, users can expect a similar high-pitched and clacky sound profile from both switches. The main difference lies in the potential variations in bottom-out sound and feel, which can be attributed to any differences in the bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Luciola has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams, while the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Silent Ink Black has a slightly stronger push feel when initially pressing a key. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Luciola requires 60 grams of force, while the Silent Ink Black has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This indicates that the Silent Ink Black provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a decent amount of resistance. However, if a lighter switch is desired for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions, the Luciola would be the preferred option. On the other hand, if a more pronounced and forceful typing experience is desired, the Silent Ink Black would be the better choice. Overall, while there are differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches, the similarities in their weight allow for comparable results in most typing scenarios.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the Luciola has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Silent Ink Black aligns with the typical 4.0 mm travel distance, while the Luciola offers a slightly shallower depth. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times, the Luciola's 3.6 mm travel distance might be preferred. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a greater sense of key depth may gravitate towards the Silent Ink Black's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switch options will depend on personal preferences for either a more responsive or more substantial key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is best described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It has a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile, reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is muted, offering a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used. While the Luciola and Silent Ink Black switches differ in their sound profiles, both provide options for those seeking a quieter typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a snappy typing experience characterized by its super responsiveness. This is often attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, which make the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the Luciola switch can be described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Moreover, the Luciola switch is polished, featuring a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience. This can be achieved through the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is polished, offering a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing experience. It provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches deliver a satisfying tactile feedback for different typing preferences.

In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch possess distinct subjective qualities in sound and feel. The Luciola switch produces a clacky sound with a sharp and snappy profile, while the Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound for quieter typing. In terms of feel, the Luciola switch provides a snappy, buttery, and polished experience, while the Silent Ink Black switch delivers a silky and polished typing feel. It is important to note that the choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences, as some individuals may prefer the crisp sound and bouncy feel of the Luciola switch, while others may prioritize the quieter sound and cushiony feel of the Silent Ink Black switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a visually striking switch that offers smooth and bouncy typing, along with a medium heft, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is a great choice. These switches also have a distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, which can add some character to your typing experience. On the other hand, if noise reduction is your priority, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. With a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, these switches are perfect for environments that require quieter typing. Additionally, both switches offer a polished finish, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should depend on whether you value the aesthetically pleasing glow and unique sound of the Luciola, or the hushed and smooth typing experience offered by the Silent Ink Black switch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more