Gateron Luciola vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are numerous options to consider. Two switches that stand out are the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both of which are linear switches. The Luciola is known for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, providing a unique visual appeal. It offers a medium heft, resulting in a smooth and bouncy typing feel. Additionally, it produces a distinctive hollow sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is designed to immerse users in a satisfying typing experience with its deep and thocky sound profile. With a lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Furthermore, its standard spring weight strikes a balance, making it accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper to explore these switches beyond generalities so you can make the best decision for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue have different housing materials that greatly affect their sound profiles. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. It is described as being clacky, but not overly sharp. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue is especially useful for showcasing RGB lighting.

Similarly, the bottom housings of the Luciola and the Tourmaline Blue differ in material. The Luciola utilizes the proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and more crisp sound. Just like with the top housing, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the bottom-out sound and feel.

Overall, the two switches offer different qualities in their housing materials. The Luciola's INK blend provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is less sharp, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate delivers a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches benefit from their respective housing materials in terms of sound clarity and resonance. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Luciola has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires 59 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Luciola has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue's bottom out force is slightly heavier at 67 grams. Both switches fall within the medium force range, with the Luciola being on the lighter side and the Tourmaline Blue being medium-heavy. This means that typing on the Luciola would provide a slightly lighter and smoother experience, perfect for extended keyboard usage or lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a more substantial and pronounced typing feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch's travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches still fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Luciola offers a slightly shorter travel distance. This shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial keypress may find the longer travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola switch has a unique and distinct profile. Its "can of spray paint being shaken" sound is characterized by a sharp and snappy quality, giving it a crisp and percussive sound when pressed. This clacky and chirpy sound sets it apart from other switches on the market. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. While it is not explicitly mentioned in the description, it can be inferred that the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a moderate and balanced sound experience. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Luciola being more unique and attention-grabbing, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a more versatile sound suitable for various usage scenarios.

In terms of feel, both the Luciola and Tourmaline Blue switches share a buttery and smooth keystroke experience. The description for both switches emphasizes a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, providing a polished and refined feel. The Luciola switch also has a snappy and bouncy typing feel, while the Tourmaline Blue switch offers an easy-to-press experience with minimal resistance during key presses. It can be assumed that both switches provide a satisfying and responsive feel, minimizing finger fatigue and enhancing the overall typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switch stands out with its clacky and chirpy sound profile, providing a unique auditory experience. It also offers a snappy and bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches, however, provide a buttery and smooth keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and satisfying typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-bottom out force, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a unique glow-in-the-dark feature, the Gateron Luciola would be a great choice for you. These switches have a distinct "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, offering a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue would be a better fit. With a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke and offer a more neutral sound profile. They are described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, making them accessible to a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and Everglide Tourmaline Blue will depend on your preference for sound and feel, as well as the desired level of bottom out force.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more