Gateron Luciola vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct features that set them apart. The Luciola is recognized for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark design, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and unique sound profile reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its all-POM construction, short travel distance for quick actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. Each switch offers different advantages, with the Luciola providing a snappy and clacky typing experience, while the Smoothie Silver offers lightning-fast actuation and a quieter typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both feature proprietary housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Luciola's INK blend top housing produces a pointed, high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing creates a deeper, more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience, as the type of sound a switch produces can affect both the user's satisfaction and productivity.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend and the Smoothie Silver's POM materials also exhibit differences in sound profiles. The INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola contributes to its high-pitched, clacky sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver provides a deeper, more muted sound. These differences in bottom housing materials can influence the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, affecting the overall typing experience for the user.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Smoothie Silver play a significant role in shaping their sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Luciola's INK blend top and bottom housings produce a more pointed and high-pitched sound compared to the Smoothie Silver's POM housings, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a clacky sound with a higher pitch or a deeper, more muted sound, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Smoothie Silver is lighter in both aspects. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Smoothie Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. The actuation force of the Luciola is slightly higher than the Smoothie Silver, making it require a bit more force to trigger a keypress. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Luciola is also higher than that of the Smoothie Silver. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Smoothie Silver would be the better option, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Luciola would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Luciola offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, whether you choose the Luciola or Smoothie Silver depends on your personal preference for travel distance and key feel. Both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance, offering a balance between responsiveness and key press depth.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 known for its unique "hollow can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, which gives it a clacky and chirpy quality. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is described as producing a thocky sound, offering a different auditory experience compared to the Luciola. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so it is important to consider these variables when selecting a switch based on sound preference.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is characterized as having a smooth and bouncy typing feel, providing a snappy and buttery typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, which may offer a different sensation compared to the Luciola. The feel of a switch can greatly impact typing comfort and speed, so choosing a switch that aligns with your preferences is crucial for a pleasant typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and chirpy sound with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, the Luciola may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound with unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver may be more suitable. Keep in mind that individual preferences vary, so it is recommended to try out both switches before making a decision to ensure you get the best typing experience for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider the key features and characteristics of each switch. Choose the Luciola if you prefer a medium bottom-out force, a bouncy typing feel, a "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, and eye-catching glow-in-the-dark aesthetics. On the other hand, opt for the Smoothie Silver if you value a bottom-out force of None, lightning-fast actuation with short travel distance, a thocky sound profile, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics when it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience.
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