Gateron Luciola vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and Gazzew U4T are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct advantages for different typing preferences. On one hand, the Luciola is renowned for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, making it a visually appealing choice. It also boasts a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a unique hollow sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T excels in providing a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. With its bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, every keystroke offers both auditory and tactile satisfaction. While these general pointers may give you a glimpse into which switch could potentially suit your needs, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Gazzew U4T, it is clear that they offer different sound profiles. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, giving it a clacky and satisfying thin sound. On the other hand, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This means that while both switches may offer a pleasant typing experience, the Luciola will provide a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the U4T will produce a softer and deeper sound.
Similarly, when examining the bottom housing materials, the differences become apparent. The Luciola's INK blend bottom housing contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Meanwhile, the U4T's Gazzew blend bottom housing, also referred to as "boba plastic," creates a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Therefore, the bottom housings of these switches significantly impact the sound and feel when bottoming-out, with the Luciola offering a more pointed and high-pitched experience, while the U4T delivers a softer and deeper sensation.
It is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ for a specific switch, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that while the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, regardless of the switch, the combination of different housing materials between the top and bottom will ultimately provide a unique typing experience, with varying degrees of clackiness, sharpness, richness, and softness.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are a few key differences to consider. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the actuation force of the U4T is currently unavailable. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Luciola at 60 grams and the U4T at 62 grams.
In terms of weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This is especially ideal for those using a keyboard for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, in which case a switch with heavier forces would be preferred.
While the actuation force of the U4T switch is unknown, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force. This means that users can expect a similar experience in terms of the force required to fully press a key on both switches. However, without knowledge of the actuation force of the U4T, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke.
In summary, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a known actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which are considered medium. The actuation force of the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is currently unavailable, but it has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. While the bottom out force suggests a similar typing experience, the differences in actuation force make it difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Luciola is the shorter option and the U4T is the longer option. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be the most traditional, while a distance of 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances are becoming more prevalent, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Luciola with its shorter travel distance would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the key, the U4T with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Both options offer different experiences, catering to different preferences.
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 U4T 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. In terms of sound, the Luciola can be characterized as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a little squeak and a resonant, high-pitched quality. The feel of the Luciola switches is described as snappy, buttery, and polished, offering a super responsive typing experience and a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is best known for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. The U4T switches provide a bassy 'thock' sound profile paired with an assertive tactile feedback, offering auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. In terms of sound, the U4T can be characterized as bassy and thocky, with a deeper and richer sound profile resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones, as well as a deep and satisfying "thud" when pressed and released. The feel of the U4T switches is described as sharp, offering a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump felt distinctly with each keypress.
Overall, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switches have a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. They also offer a snappy, buttery, and polished typing feel, with a super responsive experience and a smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, the U4T switches have a bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound with a satisfying "thud" when pressed and released. They also provide a sharp feel with high feedback intensity and a distinct tactile bump.
In conclusion, while the Luciola linear switch and the U4T tactile switch present different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, each has its unique characteristics. The Luciola offers a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a hollow, sharp sound profile, while the U4T provides a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, with a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value smooth and bouncy typing with a distinctive sound profile, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a satisfying typing experience. The Luciola switches are also eye-catching as they glow in the dark, adding a fun and unique element to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prioritize auditory and tactile satisfaction, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is the way to go. With its bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, each keystroke will provide a deep and rich sensation. The U4T switches have a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, which adds to the tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your preference for either smooth and bouncy typing or a more pronounced tactile feedback. Consider what you prioritize in your typing experience and choose accordingly.
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