Gateron Luciola vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that offer different advantages are the Gateron Luciola and the TTC Speed Silver. The Luciola switches are unique in that they glow in the dark, making them eye-catching and ideal for those who like to have a visually striking keyboard setup. These switches have a medium heft and provide a smooth and bouncy typing feel, accompanied by a distinct "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switches are perfect for individuals who prioritize a fast and precise typing experience. These tactile switches offer a light-medium level of resistance and produce a pristine sound profile. Additionally, they have a reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. The INK blend is known for creating a pointed yet not overly sharp sound profile, resulting in a satisfying and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Speed Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for the top housing if RGB lighting is desired.
Contrasting the bottom housing materials, the Luciola relies on its proprietary INK blend, which again produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This contributes to the clacky and satisfying typing experience associated with the Luciola. In contrast, the Speed Silver incorporates a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material generates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer and sound-absorbing nature of nylon. As a result, using switches with a nylon bottom housing will create a duller and rounder sound compared to the Luciola's INK blend.
When comparing the overall impact of the housing materials, it is important to consider the distribution of qualities between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either the Luciola or the Speed Silver, the sensations and sound produced will be influenced by the bottom housing material. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a more significant role in the sound emitted when releasing a key. However, if the top and bottom housings of a switch are the same, we can expect similar results in terms of both the typing experience and the produced sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams, slightly heavier than the Speed Silver's 45 grams. This means that the Luciola requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Luciola has a slightly heavier force of 60 grams compared to the Speed Silver's 55 grams. Therefore, when it comes to bottoming out, the Luciola switch will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience.
For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Speed Silver is the better option as it has a lower actuation and bottom out force. This lighter weight makes it more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel may find the Luciola switch more suitable. The heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Luciola provide a more pronounced and solid typing experience.
It is important to note that while the Luciola and Speed Silver switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, they both fall within the medium to medium-light range. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of overall feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the desired actuation and bottom out force, whether it be lighter or heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Luciola has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Speed Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Overall, both switches fall within the range of what is considered a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Speed Silver with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys may lean towards the Luciola with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 experience with its hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. This produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed, giving it a clacky and chirpy characteristic. In comparison, the TTC Speed Silver switch has a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch provides a smooth and bouncy typing experience. It is described as snappy, indicating its high responsiveness and lively feel. Additionally, this switch is referred to as buttery and polished, which means it offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch is described as mild in terms of feel, offering a more gentle typing experience. It shares the same polished characteristic as the Luciola switch, providing a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Luciola linear switch stands out with its eye-catching glow in the dark feature, medium heft, and unique sound profile. It offers a smooth and bouncy typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an engaging and responsive feel. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch excels in providing a fast and precise typing experience, thanks to its reduced travel distance and light-medium level of resistance. While the subjective qualities of the two switches differ, they both offer smooth and polished typing experiences. Therefore, if a similar sleek and refined typing experience is sought, both switches can deliver similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and TTC Speed Silver will depend on individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. The Luciola has a slightly higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Speed Silver has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. If you prefer a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a hollow sound profile, then the Luciola would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a fast and precise typing experience with reduced travel distance, and a pristine sound profile, the Speed Silver would be a better fit. In terms of sound, the Luciola offers a range of options from clacky to chirpy to marbly, while the Speed Silver has a more neutral sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Luciola provides options for snappy, buttery, and polished experiences, while the Speed Silver offers a mild and polished typing experience. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns best with your individual preferences and typing style.
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