Gateron Luciola vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Luciola and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Luciola boasts a visually appealing glow-in-the-dark feature and a medium heft that provides a smooth and bouncy typing feel. It also produces a distinctive sound profile that has been described as a mix of "can of spray paint being shaken." On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° is praised for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, which delivers unparalleled smoothness and stability for silent typing. This switch also offers a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. While these general descriptions provide a good starting point for choosing between the two switches, diving deeper into their specific characteristics can help you make the best decision for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
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
Polycarbonate
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky, while the Zero Degree 0°'s polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Zero Degree 0° switch provides a stiffer plastic that results in a more clear and resonant sound compared to the Luciola's INK blend top housing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Luciola utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as the top housing, resulting in a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing. This difference in bottom housing material contributes to the overall typing experience and sound of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Gateron Luciola and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches plays a crucial role in determining their sound profiles and typing feel. While the Luciola's use of INK blend for both top and bottom housing results in a consistent and clacky sound, the Zero Degree 0° offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing combination. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Luciola has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Zero Degree 0°, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Luciola requires 60 grams for bottoming out, while the Zero Degree 0°'s bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Luciola offers a more consistent typing experience in terms of force required, while the Zero Degree 0° provides a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler keystroke. In terms of weight, the Luciola may be more suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier switch, while the Zero Degree 0° may be preferable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation depth, making them both suitable choices for those looking for a consistent typing experience. Whether you opt for the Luciola or the Zero Degree 0°, you can expect a smooth and reliable keystroke with a travel distance that remains consistent throughout.
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 Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a clacky and chirpy typing experience, with a distinctive marbly and high-pitched sound profile that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch boasts a silent typing experience, absorbing sound and reducing noise with its self-padding design and dual-rail structure. This results in a quieter and more subtle typing sound compared to the Luciola.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch provides a snappy and buttery typing experience, making it super responsive and smooth to type on. The polished finish of the switch also contributes to a refined and sleek typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch revolutionizes typing comfort with its unparalleled smoothness, stability, and soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound. This unique self-padding design enhances the typing feel by providing a cushioned and comfortable keystroke.
Overall, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Luciola provides a bouncy and lively typing experience with its distinctive sound profile, the Zero Degree 0° focuses on delivering a silent and smooth typing experience with enhanced stability and comfort. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and enjoy a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound, the Luciola may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic typing feel while prioritizing silent typing with reduced noise, the Zero Degree 0° may be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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