Gateron Luciola vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Luciola and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Luciola stands out for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark design and medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a distinctive sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is recognized for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, delivering a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Luciola excels in providing a polished and high-pitched typing experience, the Piano Pro offers a creamy and resonant tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, it is clear that they differ in terms of the sound profiles they produce. The INK blend top and bottom housings of the Luciola result in a pointed and higher-pitched sound, commonly described as clacky. In contrast, the nylon top and bottom housings of the V3 Piano Pro create a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Luciola.
While both the Luciola and the V3 Piano Pro utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they ultimately deliver similar results. The INK blend and nylon materials both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, with the Luciola leaning towards a sharper and clackier sound while the V3 Piano Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the difference in sound characteristics, both switches are designed to offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials enhancing the overall feel and sound.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the switches, it becomes evident that the choice of material plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing of a switch, whether it be INK blend or nylon, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a more noticeable effect on the sound when the key is released. Ultimately, both the Gateron Luciola and the Akko V3 Piano Pro showcase how the housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Luciola requires 60 grams while the V3 Piano Pro needs 55 grams. This makes the Luciola switch slightly heavier overall in both categories. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro may be the better option due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the Luciola switch might be more appealing to those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making the V3 Piano Pro slightly shorter in travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Luciola being slightly longer. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the V3 Piano Pro due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth and resistance in their keystrokes may lean towards the Gateron Luciola. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and tactile 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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 is characterized as having a clacky, chirpy, and marbly sound profile, providing a sharp, snappy, and resonant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as producing a clacky and resonant sound, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Both switches offer a unique sound signature, with the Luciola having a more diverse range of sound descriptors compared to the Piano Pro. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola switch is known for its snappy and buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and bouncy tactile feedback. It is also described as polished, providing a sleek typing sensation with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is characterized by its bouncy, creamy, and silky feel, giving users a spring-like, smooth, and exceptionally smooth typing experience. Both switches offer a pleasant tactile feedback, with the Luciola focusing more on responsiveness and the Piano Pro emphasizing smoothness and rebound.
Overall, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience for users. The Luciola offers a diverse sound profile and a snappy typing feel, while the Piano Pro delivers a lively sound signature and a smooth, rebounding tactile sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to suit their typing style and preferences. With either switch, users can expect a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force that stands out visually due to its glow-in-the-dark feature, as well as a sound profile that can be described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched, then the Gateron Luciola may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, a snappy sound signature, and a typing feel that is bouncy, creamy, or silky, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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