TTC Gold Brown vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Luciola offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown switch is best known for its balanced nature, providing a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. It offers a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches while still maintaining a noticeable tactile feel. On the other hand, the Luciola switch stands out with its eye-catching luminosity in the dark. It offers a smooth and bouncy typing experience, accompanied by a unique hollow sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. While these general pointers can help you determine which switch might be more appealing to you, it's crucial to delve deeper into their characteristics to make the best switch choice for your specific needs.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

Gateron Luciola Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Luciola have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Gold Brown uses polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound. The Luciola, on the other hand, features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. While both materials result in a clear sound, the Gold Brown's polycarbonate offers a translucent quality that enhances the RGB lighting experience, making it a great choice for those who prioritize aesthetics.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Gold Brown utilizes nylon, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. Similarly, the Luciola incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which complements its top housing by contributing to a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. Both housings offer their own unique qualities, with the Gold Brown's nylon providing a deeper sound and the Luciola's INK blend offering a clacky sound that many find satisfying.

While the top and bottom housing materials bring distinct attributes to the switches, it's important to note that the impact of each housing material differs depending on the action performed. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, although the housing materials may differ between the Gold Brown and the Luciola, the overall results can still be similar in terms of the switch's sound profile, albeit with their own unique characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the TTC Gold Brown switch requires slightly more force to fully press down compared to the Gateron Luciola switch.

Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Gateron Luciola switch as it has a lower bottom out force. This allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the TTC Gold Brown switch, as it has a heavier bottom out force. This added force provides a satisfying push feel and can enhance the overall typing experience for some individuals.

In summary, while the actuation force remains the same for both switches at 55 grams, the bottom out force differs slightly. The TTC Gold Brown switch is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Gateron Luciola switch is slightly lighter with a bottom out force of 60 grams. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Gold Brown falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance at 4 mm, while the Luciola's 3.6 mm is considered shallow. However, it should be noted that shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you value a more responsive typing experience, then the shorter travel distance of the Luciola may be preferable. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Gold Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gold Brown and the Luciola switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.

Starting with sound, the Gold Brown is described as having a neutral sound profile. It produces a rounded and softer sound compared to most switches, while still providing a satisfying bump. On the other hand, the Luciola has multiple sound descriptors. It is clacky, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound. It is also chirpy, adding a unique and slightly squeaky element to the sound. Additionally, the Luciola has a marbly characteristic, meaning it has a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound akin to tapping on marble or billiard balls colliding. If someone prefers a more rich and bassy sound, the higher-pitched Luciola could be a good option.

Moving on to feel, the Gold Brown is described as having a mild and approachable typing experience. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience without being overwhelming or subtle. It also offers a buttery feel, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Gold Brown is further described as having an accented tactile switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being scratchy. Lastly, it is described as polished, which implies a refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Similarly, the Luciola also offers a buttery feel, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Furthermore, the Luciola is labeled as snappy, implying super responsiveness in the typing experience. This is likely due to longer or dual-staged springs, enhancing the feeling of liveliness while typing.

In conclusion, the Gold Brown and Luciola switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown offers a rounded and softer sound with a satisfying bump and a mild, buttery, and accented tactile feel. On the other hand, the Luciola has a variety of sound profiles including clacky, chirpy, and marbly, along with a smooth and buttery feel. Both switches have a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences, with the Gold Brown providing a balanced experience and the Luciola adding a unique and eye-catching element.

Conclusion

In closing, to sum up, both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch have their unique features that make them suitable for different preferences and needs. The Gold Brown switch is best known for its balanced nature, offering a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. The sound profile is generally softer than most switches, making it suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Luciola switch stands out with its eye-catching glow in the dark feature. It provides a smooth and bouncy typing feel, accompanied by a distinct "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile.

If sound is your priority, the Gold Brown switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It provides a moderate actuation force requirement and can be used in various environments. In contrast, the Luciola switch offers a range of sound options, including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, allowing you to choose a sound profile that matches your preference.

When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience. It is neither overwhelming nor subtle in its tactility and provides a safe middle-ground feel. The buttery and polished characteristics of this switch ensure smooth and effortless keystrokes. Similarly, the Luciola switch also shares the buttery and polished feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, its snappy attribute makes it super responsive and adds a liveliness to the typing experience.

Therefore, when choosing between the two switches, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a balanced and moderate typing experience with a softer sound, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is a great option. On the other hand, if you desire an eye-catching switch that offers various sound options and a smooth keystroke feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be an excellent choice. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you are looking for.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more