Gateron Luciola vs. SP-Star Meteor White

Overview

The Gateron Luciola and SP-Star Meteor White are both popular choices for mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer different experiences for users. The Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, adding a unique touch to any keyboard setup. It also offers a medium heft, delivering a smooth and bouncy typing feel. The hollow sound profile of the Luciola is often compared to the sound of shaking a can of spray paint. On the other hand, the Meteor White provides a subdued experience with its gentle linear switch. It requires minimal effort to push, making it easy on the fingers during long typing sessions. The pitter-patter sound profile of the Meteor White adds a soft and pleasant touch to the typing experience. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, diving deeper into each switch's specific characteristics will allow you to make the best choice for your individual preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the SP-Star Meteor White switches differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch utilizes a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softer nature of nylon plastic, which absorbs more sound. While both switches have distinct sound profiles, the Luciola's top housing offers a sharper and thinner sound, while the Meteor White's top housing provides a rounder and duller sound.

Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the two switches also contribute to their sound profiles. The Luciola switch's INK blend bottom housing maintains the same pointed and high-pitched sound profile as its top housing, resulting in consistent clacky sound. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Meteor White produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softness and sound absorption capabilities of nylon plastic. Therefore, the Luciola switch will offer a consistent clacky sound throughout the key press, while the Meteor White will provide a sound that is more rounded and deeper.

When comparing the overall sound profile of the two switches, it is clear that the Luciola switch has a more pointed and higher-pitched sound, while the Meteor White switch offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal to different preferences. However, it is important to note that the top housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the sound when the key is released, while the bottom housing affects the sound and feel during the key press. Therefore, the Luciola switch will provide a distinct clacky sound when letting go of a key, while the Meteor White switch will offer a deeper and fuller sound during the key press.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Luciola switch is on the lighter side with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both falling in the medium range. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch has an unknown actuation force, but a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Luciola switch, categorized as medium-light.

This distinction in weight may be important depending on personal preferences and specific use cases. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience to minimize fatigue during long periods of typing or gaming, the Luciola switch would be a suitable choice. The actuation force and bottom out force are balanced, providing a comfortable and responsive feel.

However, some users may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Meteor White switch with its slightly heavier bottom out force could be a better option. Although the actuation force is unknown, it is worth considering that a heavier bottom out force often correlates with a higher actuation force.

In summary, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have similar medium actuation forces, the Luciola switch is slightly heavier with a 60-gram bottom out force. The Meteor White switch, in contrast, has an unknown actuation force but a 57-gram bottom out force, making it medium-light. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and use case requirements.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Luciola offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth in their switches. In such cases, the Meteor White with its longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. However, it's worth noting that both options fall within the acceptable range of travel distances, with the Luciola offering a more compact experience and the Meteor White providing a slightly more extended travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch can be described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp and bright quality. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a more neutral sound profile, with options described as thocky or neutral. Thocky switches produce a deep and satisfying sound when pressed, while the neutral switches have a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience. Snappy switches are highly responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, providing a more dynamic typing sensation. Butter switches have a smooth and fluid key stroke, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing experience. Meanwhile, polished switches have a refined finish that reduces friction and allows for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. Mild switches offer a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making them approachable for most users. Polished switches, as mentioned earlier, provide a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola and SP-Star Meteor White linear switches differ in their subjective qualities. The Luciola has a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. In contrast, the Meteor White switch is gentle, easy to push, and offers a pitter-patter sound profile. Both switches have soft sound profiles and soft type feels overall. If you're looking for a switch with similar qualities, the Meteor White can provide a comparable experience to the Luciola in terms of softness, although the specific nuances of each switch may differ. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and sound.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with an eye-catching glow in the dark feature and a medium heft, smooth, and bouncy typing feel, as well as a hollow sound profile resembling a can of spray paint being shaken, then the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle and subdued typing experience with an easy-to-push switch that produces a soft and pitter-patter sound profile, then the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is the better option. The Luciola switch offers a variety of sound profiles including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, while the Meteor White switch provides a neutral sound profile that suits most situations, as well as a thocky option for a deep and satisfying sound. In terms of feel, the Luciola switch is described as snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a responsive and fluid typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience, as well as a polished finish for smooth and sleek key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and the unique features they offer.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more