Gateron Luciola vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Luciola and Gateron Weightlessness offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Luciola, a linear switch, is not only visually striking with its unique glow-in-the-dark feature, but it also boasts a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing feel, accompanied by a hollow sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness presents a tactile experience, offering subtle to moderate feedback that enhances the typing experience without being overly pronounced, and its balanced sound profile beautifully complements its tactile characteristics. While the Luciola is ideal for those who appreciate a smoother, more fluid keystroke and an engaging aesthetic, the Weightlessness is suited for users who prefer a touch of tactile feedback for enhanced precision in their keystrokes. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and Gateron Weightlessness switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, contributing to unique auditory experiences during typing. The Luciola’s proprietary INK blend top housing is engineered to deliver a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, often noted for its clackiness. This design creates a satisfying acoustic feedback that resonates strongly upon keystrokes, promoting a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which inherently has softer acoustic properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively than the harder INK blend, thereby producing a sound that is rounder and less sharp.
When examining the bottom housings, a similar contrast emerges. The Luciola maintains the same INK blend material as its bottom housing, mirroring the acoustic benefits of its top structure, which reinforces the pointed and clacky typing experience across both key presses and releases. Conversely, the Weightlessness switch again employs a nylon bottom housing, further enhancing the duller and rounder sound profile characteristic of nylon. The softer material significantly impacts the bottom-out sound during typing—a key interaction point that can enhance the overall typing sensation by making it feel cushioned and less harsh.
Despite the differences in material composition, both switches can yield satisfying typing experiences. While the Gateron Luciola provides a lively clacky sound with a high-pitched resonance, the Gateron Weightlessness fosters a deeper auditory experience thanks to the plush nature of nylon. For users seeking a specific typing feedback, understanding these characteristics is crucial; if preferred, one might opt to mix and match the switches in various configurations to achieve a customized sound profile that borrows from both design philosophies. Ultimately, switching between these materials can lead to enjoyable outcomes, whether one favors the INK blend's sharpness or nylon's soft embrace.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the differences in actuation force are notable. The Luciola features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium resistance that provides a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, which makes it easier to press, perfect for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown, preventing a direct comparison in that regard. This uncertainty means we cannot ascertain how much resistance the switch provides when pressed down fully. Overall, the Luciola is heavier, making it more suitable for users who enjoy a firmer touch in their keystrokes, while the Weightlessness, with its lighter actuation force, caters well to those who prioritize comfort in prolonged typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that the Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness measures at 3.4 mm. This means that the Luciola offers a longer travel distance, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more pronounced feel when pressing a key. In contrast, the Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances are often favored for their rapid actuation. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Weightlessness may be the better option; however, if you enjoy a more substantial depth in your keystrokes, the Luciola will likely provide that satisfying feedback.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a distinct acoustic profile that can be described as clacky, chirpy, and high-pitched, delivering a sharp and crisp auditory experience. This character is complemented by a hollow resonance likened to the sound of a can of spray paint being shaken, which adds an element of playfulness to typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a more balanced sound profile, but specific acoustic descriptors are not provided. This implies that while the Weightlessness switch may not stand out audibly in the same way as the Luciola, it offers a compatible and pleasant auditory experience that may still be enjoyable depending on the preferences of the user.
In terms of feel, the Luciola shines with its smooth and bouncy typing experience, characterized by a snappy and responsive action that makes each keystroke feel alive. The refined, polished finish of the switch enhances the overall tactile sensation, ensuring a fluid and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch is noted for its subtle to moderate tactile feedback, but lacks detailed descriptors regarding its feel. This makes it difficult to directly compare, but suggests that the Weightlessness may offer a more subdued experience, possibly appealing to users who prefer a gentler tactile response during typing.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Luciola and Weightlessness switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences among typists. The Luciola excels in providing a lively auditory and tactile experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy engaging feedback and sound. Meanwhile, the Weightlessness switch seems to offer a more balanced and possibly understated experience, although its specific sound and feel remain less defined. Together, these switches represent a variety of sensory experiences in the mechanical keyboard world, allowing newcomers to explore and find what suits their typing style best.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you’re drawn to aesthetics and enjoy a lively typing experience, the Luciola's glowing feature, along with its smooth and snappy keystroke, might be right for you. The medium 60-gram actuation force combined with its unique sound profile offers an engaging typing environment ideal for both gaming and casual use. Conversely, if you prefer a more subtle tactile response that isn't overwhelming while still delivering an enjoyable feel, the Weightlessness switch may be the better option. While the specifics about the bottom-out force aren't available, its balanced sound and moderate tactile feedback make it suitable for long typing sessions, offering comfort without the distraction of a loud or overly pronounced actuation. Consider what aspects—be it aesthetic appeal, sound, or tactile feedback—are most important to you to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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