Gateron Luciola vs. HMX Swift

Overview

When comparing the Gateron Luciola and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that they each offer unique features for different preferences. The Luciola is renowned for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark design, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and distinctive sound profile resembling a "can of spray paint being shaken." On the other hand, the Swift stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Luciola is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Clacky', 'Chirpy', 'Marbly', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', the Swift is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Creamy'. Each switch has its own merits, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

HMX Swift Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Luciola and the HMX Swift both have different housing materials used in their construction. The Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a satisfyingly thin and higher-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Swift switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, which create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound than harder plastics. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Luciola's top and bottom housing materials are the same, providing consistency in sound throughout the keystroke.

In terms of sound characteristics, the Gateron Luciola's INK blend housing produces a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound, while the HMX Swift's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results in a different typing experience for users, with the Luciola delivering a more pointed and sharp sound, and the Swift providing a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch can have a noticeable impact on the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Gateron Luciola maintains consistency in its INK blend housing for both the top and bottom, the HMX Swift's use of nylon for both housings results in a cohesive sound profile throughout the keystroke. Whether you prefer the sharpness of the Luciola's sound or the depth of the Swift's sound, these housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.

Weight

Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch reveals some differences in weight. The Luciola has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Swift offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Luciola provides a medium level of resistance, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Swift offers a lighter touch that may be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches provide a similar result in terms of function, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the HMX Swift has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Luciola. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the difference of 0.3 mm between the two switches may not be significant enough to be noticeable in real-world usage. Ultimately, whether you choose the Luciola or the Swift will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a unique blend of clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched qualities, creating a distinct sound profile that can be best characterized as sharp and bright with a hint of squeakiness. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is primarily described as clacky, providing a crisp and percussive sound when pressed. While both switches fall under the clacky descriptor, the Luciola switch introduces additional dimensions to its sound profile, setting it apart from the Swift in terms of auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its snappy, buttery, and polished attributes, offering users a responsive, smooth, and refined typing sensation. The Swift linear switch, on the other hand, is lauded for its easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy characteristics, delivering a light and effortless typing experience with a hint of elasticity and smoothness. While both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, the Luciola switch emphasizes responsiveness and smoothness, whereas the Swift switch focuses more on light actuation force and comfort during extended typing sessions.

Taking into account the sound and feel characteristics described above, it is clear that the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Luciola switch boasts a more multifaceted sound profile and a focus on responsiveness, the Swift switch prioritizes light actuation force and comfort. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users can select either switch to achieve a tailored experience that suits their needs. With their unique characteristics, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, bouncy typing experience with a unique sound profile that can range from clacky to chirpy or marbly, the Luciola may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience with a deeper sound profile that leans towards clacky, then the Swift might be the switch you'd prefer. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which typing feel and sound profile align best with your preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

HMX Swift Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more