Gateron Luciola vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch with a unique twist, the Gateron Luciola may catch your eye. These switches are not only visually appealing, but also offer a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing experience. The distinct hollow sound profile, reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken, adds an extra touch of personality to your typing. On the other hand, if a quiet and seamless typing experience is what you're after, the TTC Silent Red is the perfect choice. With their muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living space use. Additionally, the Silent Reds provide a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the TTC Silent Red switches have distinct differences. The Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which results in a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile when typing. The sound is described as clacky, but not overly sharp. On the other hand, the Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent polycarbonate is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. Therefore, if you prefer a slightly sharper and more vibrant sound, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing is the better choice.

While the Luciola and the Silent Red differ in their top housing materials, they share similarities in their bottom housing. Both switches utilize the proprietary INK blend by Gateron for their bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying, clacky sound that is not overly sharp. However, the Silent Red uses a nylon bottom housing, which offers a unique characteristic. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results in a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing. So, if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound, the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing would be a better fit.

When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the housing materials of the top and bottom play a significant role. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, the properties of the Luciola's and the Silent Red's bottom housing will have a noticeable impact on the typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound produced when releasing a key. The differences in the top housing between the Luciola and the Silent Red will result in variations in the sound profile when keys are let go. Overall, while there may be differences in the housing materials, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, each with its own unique sound characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Silent Red requires slightly less force at 45 grams. This means that the Silent Red is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch during typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Luciola is heavier with a force of 60 grams, whereas the Silent Red measures at 63.5 grams. This means that the Luciola provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, as it requires a heavier push to reach the bottom out stage. If one prefers a switch with a stronger push feel, the Luciola would be the better option. However, if weight is a concern and a lighter touch is desired for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Silent Red would be a more suitable choice.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that they have very similar distances. The Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, either of these switches would provide similar results. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the TTC Silent Red with its 3.7 mm travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or slightly longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola switches have a unique and distinctive profile. They are often described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp and bright tone. The sound of the switches can be reminiscent of shaking a can of spray paint or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switches have a muted sound profile. They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing 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 board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, both the Gateron Luciola and TTC Silent Red switches offer a smooth and seamless typing experience. The Luciola switches are described as snappy, buttery, and polished. This means that they are super responsive, providing a lively typing experience. Additionally, they offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Silent Red switches are also buttery and polished, ensuring a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. They offer a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making them approachable to most users.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Luciola and TTC Silent Red switches have some similarities and differences. In terms of sound, the Luciola switches have a more distinctive and pronounced profile, while the Silent Red switches have a muted sound. However, both switches provide a smooth and seamless typing experience, with a buttery and polished feel. If you prefer a keyboard switch with a unique and eye-catching sound, the Luciola switches would be a great fit. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Silent Red switches are the perfect choice. Overall, both switches offer excellent qualities, and depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results in terms of feel by choosing either option.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that offers a medium heft and a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with an eye-catching glow in the dark feature, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice. These switches also have a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, which can be described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched.

On the other hand, if you value a seamless typing experience without all the noise, especially in an office or shared living space, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect fit. These switches have a muted sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. They also offer a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. The Silent Reds can be described as buttery, mild, and polished in terms of feel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and TTC Silent Red switches comes down to your specific preferences. If you prioritize a unique aesthetic and enjoy a clacky sound profile, the Luciola switches would be ideal. However, if you value a quiet typing experience with a smooth and gentle feel, the Silent Reds would be the way to go. Consider your environment, typing style, and personal preferences when making a decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more