Gateron Luciola 55g
Gateron Luciola 55g review: a factory-lubed INK linear with glow-in-the-dark housings, 60g bottom-out and a deep, full sound signature.
How it feels
How it sounds
thockyFull review
Quick Summary
The Gateron Luciola 55g is a medium-weight INK linear built on the well-regarded Ink V2 mold, with the twist that its stem and housings glow in the dark after soaking up light. Underneath the gimmick is a capable switch: factory-lubed, smooth, and tuned with double-stage springs. It is a reasonable choice for anyone who wants a dependable stock linear.
Specs and Feel
This is a clean linear with no bump or click, a uniform glide from top to bottom. Actuation sits at roughly 55g with a 60g bottom-out, a medium weighting that feels stable without being tiring. Travel is slightly short of MX standard at about 3.6mm, giving the keypress a snappy, contained quality. The INK V2 housing pairs with 22mm black-plated double-stage springs to produce a deep, full sound signature rather than a thin or clacky one. Stock smoothness is the highlight here: the factory lube is applied evenly, scratch is minimal, and stem wobble stays well controlled thanks to the tight INK tolerances. The three-layer pin design also helps with seating and long-term reliability.
Tuning
There is little need to crack these open. The factory lube and Ink V2 tolerances already produce a refined feel. If you want to chase the last few percent, a careful hand-application of thin lube on the rails and a dab on the springs will smooth out any remaining minor inconsistency. Films are unnecessary given the snug housing fit.
Verdict
Buy the Luciola 55g if you want a smooth, deep-sounding medium linear that performs well stock and happens to glow in the dark. The luminescent effect is a novelty and not the reason to choose it. The real draw is a well-built INK linear at a low price. If glow novelties leave you cold, you lose nothing in feel by treating it as a straightforward Ink V2 linear, and it still earns its spot.
Frequently asked
Does the Gateron Luciola actually glow in the dark?
Yes. The stem and both housings use a luminescent INK blend that absorbs ambient light and gives off a soft glow afterward. It is a novelty rather than a practical feature, but it works as advertised on a dim desk.
Does the Luciola 55g need lubing?
It ships factory-lubed and feels smooth out of the box, so most builders can run it stock. A hand-tune with thin lube on the rails and springs will squeeze out a touch more polish if you enjoy the work.
How heavy is the Luciola 55g?
It actuates around 55g and bottoms out near 60g, putting it in the medium-weight linear range. That is firm enough to avoid accidental presses but not fatiguing for long typing sessions.
Compare Gateron Luciola 55g against another switch
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