Gateron Luciola vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark design and a typing feel that is smooth, bouncy, and medium-weighted, accompanied by a distinctive sound profile likened to a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the Smoothie boasts an affordable price point without sacrificing quality, providing a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a light touch thanks to its all-POM construction. While the Luciola excels in offering a snappy, clacky experience, the Smoothie appeals to those seeking a buttery, low-pitched typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Smoothie differ significantly in their sound profiles and feel. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Smoothie utilizes POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Luciola offering a more sharp and pointed sound compared to the Smoothie's more subdued and pleasing sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Luciola again utilizes the proprietary INK blend material, resulting in a similar high-pitched and clacky sound profile as the top housing. On the other hand, the Smoothie uses POM bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and more muted sound when pressing down on the keys. This difference in bottom housing materials can affect the overall feel of typing on the switches, with the Luciola providing a more consistent sound profile throughout key presses compared to the Smoothie's variation between top and bottom housing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Smoothie play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of these switches. While the Luciola offers a more pointed and high-pitched sound with its INK blend housing, the Smoothie presents a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, as each housing material brings a unique typing experience to the table.
Weight
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches do not have information available for bottom out force, making it hard to determine which one is lighter or heavier in that aspect. The Luciola switch provides a more medium actuation force, which may provide a balance between a lighter touch and a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch offers a lighter actuation force, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the preference for a lighter or heavier switch will depend on individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Smoothie linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that you will get similar results in terms of tactile feedback and keypress experience. Overall, whether you use the Luciola or the Smoothie, you can expect a smooth and consistent keypress with the same travel distance.
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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 characterized by its clacky and chirpy sound profile, giving it a sharp and snappy acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky sound, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when pressed. The Luciola's sound can be compared to a can of spray paint being shaken, while the Smoothie offers a more subdued and mellow tone. Depending on personal preference and the keyboard setup, users can choose between the vibrant and sharp sound of the Luciola or the deep and satisfying thock of the Smoothie.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is described as snappy and buttery, offering a smooth and bouncy typing experience. The Smoothie, on the other hand, provides a buttery and creamy feel, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels seamless and effortless. The Luciola's typing sensation can be likened to a polished finish, resulting in sleek key travel with reduced friction, while the Smoothie's creamy typing feel allows for effortless keystrokes and a silky sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and response.
Overall, choosing between the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Smoothie linear switches comes down to personal preferences in sound and feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, with the Luciola providing a more vibrant and bouncy typing feel, paired with a sharp and snappy sound, while the Smoothie delivers a deep and satisfying thocky sound alongside a smooth and creamy typing sensation. Whether you prefer a more lively and sharp typing experience or a deep and rich sound signature, both switches offer quality options to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Luciola linear switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force, eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, and a clacky or chirpy sound profile, then the Luciola may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a lightweight touch, a thocky or subdued sound profile, and a smooth and buttery typing feel, then the Smoothie switch might be more suitable for your needs. Consider the unique characteristics of each switch and how they align with your typing preferences before making your decision. Ultimately, choosing between the Luciola and Smoothie switches is a matter of personal preference and finding the switch that best suits your typing style.
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