Gateron Luciola vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and the Gazzew U4 are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and benefits. The Luciola is known for its eye-catching glowing capability, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. On the other hand, the U4 switches are renowned for their silent tactile experience, providing a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while also offering a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. Additionally, the U4 switches have a sound profile that is whisper quiet, perfect for those looking for a more muted and low-pitched typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Gazzew U4 switches offer distinct characteristics and sound profiles. Gateron's Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing that produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. This clacky sound is not overly sharp but still quite pointed. In comparison, the Gazzew U4 utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, also known as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness.
While both switches have their proprietary housing blends, there are noticeable differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Luciola's INK blend top housing creates a relatively high-pitched sound with a lighter, clacky feel. On the other hand, the U4's Gazzew blend top housing offers a deeper and more resonant tone, resulting in a softer overall sound. This distinction in sound makes the Luciola ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched, clacky typing experience, while the U4 suits users who enjoy a deeper and more mellow sound.
Interestingly, when comparing the bottom housings of the Luciola and the U4, their characteristics remain similar to their respective top housing materials. Both the INK blend and the Gazzew blend bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Luciola's bottom housing maintains the pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while the U4's bottom housing enhances the rich and deep sound profile, thanks to its "boba plastic" composition. This indicates that the qualities each housing material brings to the switches are split between the top and bottom, ensuring a consistent sound experience throughout the key press.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Gazzew U4 switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a clacky and higher-pitched sound, while the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a softer, deeper tone. The bottom housings of both switches continue to showcase these distinct characteristics. Whether seeking a sharper and more pronounced sound or a mellower and richer tone, both switches provide reliable and satisfying options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Luciola switch is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which are considered to be medium. On the other hand, the U4 switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, also classified as medium.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the U4 switch would be a suitable choice, as its lower actuation force allows for a smoother and more effortless keystroke. This can be especially beneficial for extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions where minimizing fatigue is essential. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Luciola switch, as its slightly higher actuation force provides a stronger push and a greater sense of feedback.
In terms of bottom out force, both switches have medium levels of resistance, indicating that they require a similar amount of force to fully press down on a key. This means that users can expect comparable results when it comes to the overall typing experience and the satisfying feel of bottoming out on either switch. Whether one prefers the Luciola or U4 switch ultimately depends on their personal preferences for actuation force and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel and experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide consistent tactile feedback at this particular distance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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
The Gateron Luciola linear switch is best known for its medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. It produces a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound when pressed. The Luciola switch provides a snappy, buttery, and polished feel, offering a highly responsive and smooth typing experience.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, providing a distinctive and intense feedback with each keypress. It offers an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, resulting in a unique typing feel. The U4 switch has a sound profile that is whisper quiet, described as muted and low-pitched.
Comparing the two switches, it is evident that they have distinct subjective qualities. The Luciola switch offers a bouncier feel and a sound profile that is clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. On the other hand, the U4 switch provides a sharper tactile bump and a more muted, low-pitched sound profile.
While they differ in sound and feel, both switches are described as smooth and offer a satisfying typing experience. The Luciola switch provides a smoother and bouncier feel, while the U4 switch offers a sharper and more tactile experience. If you prefer a bouncier feel and a higher-pitched sound, the Luciola switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a sharper tactile feedback and a quieter sound profile, the U4 switch is the way to go. Both switches are excellent choices, and the final decision would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for eye-catching switches that glow in the dark and offer a smooth and bouncy typing feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is a great choice. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience. However, if you prefer a more tactile bump and a plush bottom-out sensation, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, the U4s offer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while maintaining a whisper quiet sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference, whether you prioritize the unique glow-in-the-dark feature and smooth typing feel of the Luciola or the sharp tactile bump and quiet sound of the U4.
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