Gateron Aliaz vs. HMX Canglan V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the HMX Canglan V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can greatly influence your typing experience. The Gateron Aliaz switch stands out as an ideal solution for those seeking a quiet and discreet typing experience, perfect for office settings where noise can be a distraction. With a medium-heavy weight and a tactile feel, the Aliaz provides satisfying feedback with every keystroke while minimizing sound, making it a solid choice for users who appreciate a muted yet responsive typing environment. In contrast, the HMX Canglan V2 offers a different allure, catering to enthusiasts seeking a smooth and thocky linear experience. This switch is expertly crafted with a focus on delivering a deep sound signature and a lighter touch, appealing to those who prefer a fluid, uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile bump. Thus, while the Aliaz emphasizes a quieter, feedback-rich experience, the Canglan V2 excels in smoothness and acoustics. 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
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the HMX Canglan V2, one of the most striking differences lies in their housing materials. The Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, while the Canglan V2 opts for nylon for the same components. Polycarbonate, noted for its stiffness, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for the Aliaz, making it well-suited for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the nylon housings of the Canglan V2 render a deeper, fuller sound. This divergence in material choice shapes the overall acoustic experience significantly, influencing how each switch feels and sounds during use.
Further contrasting the two switches, the effects of their housing materials on the typing experience highlight their differences even more. The Aliaz's polycarbonate construction ensures that the bottom-out sound retains clarity and resonance, which can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile response. On the other hand, the nylon in the Canglan V2 absorbs more sound, yielding a softer bottom-out sound that gives a rounder feel to each keystroke. Consequently, while both switches can deliver satisfying experiences, the Aliaz is configured for users seeking sharper auditory feedback, while Canglan V2 caters to those who prefer a more muted, softer typing sound.
Despite their differing materials, both switches can achieve desirable results based on user preferences. If a typist favors a combination of both clear and full sound profiles, experimenting with switch configurations or utilizing external dampening materials can help balance the characteristics brought by the different housings. For instance, with the Aliaz's polycarbonate top housing responsively projecting light and sound while maintaining clarity, and the Canglan V2’s nylon housing absorbing excess vibrations for a smooth typing experience, users can tailor their setups for an optimal feel. Ultimately, the interaction between the distinct acoustics of the polycarbonate and nylon will allow users to find their perfect balance when utilizing either switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Aliaz features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, which can be especially beneficial during long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Canglan V2 is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This lighter feel is ideal for those who favor a quicker and less strenuous keystroke, allowing for prolonged use without fatigue. Ultimately, the Gateron Aliaz is the heavier option overall, while the HMX Canglan V2 offers a softer touch, catering to different user preferences in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly in their design and intended user experience. The Gateron Aliaz features a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more traditional and hearty depth that many users appreciate for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Canglan V2 boasts a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, which caters to those, such as gamers, who prefer quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. This difference highlights the trade-off between a satisfying, deeper press and a swift, responsive experience; therefore, users seeking a more pronounced tactile sensation might lean towards the Aliaz, while those valuing speed may opt for the Canglan V2. Overall, if you're looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance, the Canglan V2 is the better choice, while the Aliaz offers a longer travel for a more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz switches are designed for quiet environments, producing a muted sound profile. This characteristic makes them a superb choice for office settings or any situation where noise reduction is a priority. They minimize the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards, offering a serene typing experience. In contrast, while the HMX Canglan V2 switch is touted as "thocky," implying that it produces a deep and resonant sound, specific descriptions of its sound qualities are not provided. However, the “thock” sound usually suggests a satisfying auditory feedback that many users enjoy, although it is likely to be more pronounced than the muted characteristics of the Aliaz. The auditory experience for both switches can vary based on other factors like the keyboard board and keycap materials chosen.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches excel with their silky and polished touch. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience by minimizing resistance during keypresses and ensuring a seamless transition when releasing keys. The refined finish of these switches also contributes to reduced friction, allowing for pleasurable typing sessions. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the Canglan V2 switches is not specified, but as a linear switch, one can typically expect a smooth actuation without the distinct feedback that tactile switches provide. Therefore, while the Aliaz offers a textured experience benefitting those who enjoy feedback, the Canglan V2 switches would deliver a continuous and unbroken keypress feeling.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and HMX Canglan V2 switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Aliaz prioritizes a quieter operation with a silky and polished typing experience, making them ideal for silent environments, while the Canglan V2 offers a thocky auditory feedback that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate a deeper sound. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference, particularly with regard to the desired sound and tactile feedback during use. For a newcomer, understanding these qualities will be crucial in finding the switch that best aligns with their typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you find yourself working in a quiet office setting or need to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, the Aliaz is a great option; its muted sound profile and medium-heavy bottom-out force of 75 grams provide a satisfying tactile feedback without disturbing those around you. You’ll appreciate the silky and polished feel that enhances the typing experience while ensuring minimal noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth, linear typing experience, the Canglan V2, with its 48-gram bottom-out force and thocky sound signature, would better suit your style. This switch caters well to enthusiasts seeking a satisfying auditory response while typing and offers a delightful, effortless feel that can make long typing sessions a breeze. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, the noise level of your environment, and whether you lean towards tactile feedback or a linear sensation to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard needs.
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