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Gateron Luciola vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature. With a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a unique hollow sound profile resembling a shaken can of spray paint, it offers a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches are known for their Creamsicle-colored appearance and captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. These switches provide a rich, bassy, and decadent sound that elevates the typing experience. Their medium-weight and unique POM stem contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of short travel and long-pole stem ensures sharp and highly responsive typing. Deciding between these switches may seem challenging at first; however, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best choice for your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

55g

Actuation force

43g

Bottom-out force

60g

Bottom-out force

51g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.20 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

Ly

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

Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches differ in terms of sound profile and characteristics. The Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow employs a POM material for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. Therefore, the difference in housing materials directly affects the sound produced by the switches. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will impact the sound when releasing the key.

While the housing materials of the Luciola and Sunset Yellow switches have distinct sound profiles, they also share certain similarities. Both switches feature a satisfying sound quality that is appreciated by keyboard enthusiasts. The INK blend top housing of the Luciola is described as clacky, while the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow is said to create a unique sound. Despite the different terminology used to describe their sound profiles, both switches offer an enjoyable auditory experience. Additionally, the bottom housing of both switches plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in this aspect.

In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches contribute heavily to their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing create a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Sunset Yellow's POM top and bottom housing produce a deeper and more muted sound. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switch. However, both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, albeit with different characteristics, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Luciola exhibits a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's lighter actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of the bottom out force, the Luciola takes a slightly heavier approach with 60 grams, while the Sunset Yellow remains lighter at 51 grams.

The weight of a switch is an important consideration for different user preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Sunset Yellow more suitable, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, users who favor a more substantial push feel and desire a stronger typing experience may lean towards the Luciola. Its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more robust feeling keystroke.

Although the forces of the Luciola and Sunset Yellow differ slightly, they both fall within the medium range. This means that users who have a preference for medium force switches may find similar results with both options. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences for a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Luciola has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of traditional standards, both switches fall within the acceptable range, with 4.0 mm being the most common travel distance and 3.0 mm being the shallowest. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances for enhanced responsiveness, the Sunset Yellow may be a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, individuals who value a more substantial key press experience might opt for the Luciola with its slightly longer travel distance. It is important to note that despite their differing travel distances, both switches would ultimately provide similar results in terms of keystroke functionality.

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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 per 10 switches.

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 has a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, which is crisp, bright, percussive, and clacky. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. It has a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It also has a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Both switches provide unique and appealing sound profiles, but they differ in the specific qualities of their sound.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel. It is described as snappy, indicating super responsiveness, and buttery, implying a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Luciola switch is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch features a distinct gliding feel attributed to its unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method. It offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless sensation when typing. Similar to the Luciola, the Sunset Yellow switch is also described as polished, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Luciola and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola provides a clacky sound profile with snappy and buttery typing feel, while the Sunset Yellow offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, along with a creamy and frictionless typing feel. Both switches offer unique and desirable qualities that can enhance the typing experience for different preferences. If you prefer a sharp and snappy sound with a smooth and refined typing feel, the Luciola is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a silky and effortless typing feel, the Sunset Yellow is a suitable option. Depending on your personal preference, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of sound and feel with their distinct characteristics.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a unique glowing feature and prefer a medium-weight switch, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a smooth and bouncy typing feel, with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. They produce a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound when pressed, giving you a crisp and bright auditory experience. Additionally, the Luciola switches offer a snappy, buttery, or polished feel, providing a responsive and seamless typing sensation.

On the other hand, if you enjoy a captivating sound profile and desire a medium-light switch, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be a suitable option. These Creamsicle-colored switches offer a rich, bassy, and decadent sound during key presses. With a bottom out force of 51 grams, they provide a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Luciola switches. The Sunset Yellow switches have a creamy, frictionless, or polished feel, delivering a smooth and effortless typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches depends on personal preferences. Both switches offer unique features and characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Consider the sound, weight, and feel that align with your preferences and needs to make an informed decision.

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