Gateron Aliaz vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Cream Yellow embody two distinct typing experiences, each catering to different preferences and environments. The Aliaz, a tactile switch renowned for its silent operation, excels in quieter settings like offices, providing a medium-heavy weight that enhances typing feedback without the noise. This makes it an ideal choice for users who value a polished and muted experience while still wanting to feel the key engagement. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow is a linear switch that is celebrated for its bouncy and clacky sound profile, thanks to a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem that delivers energetic audio feedback. The unique feel of the Cream Yellow switch, heightened by its lengthened spring, makes it perfect for those who enjoy a lively, resonant typing rhythm. Each switch offers its own set of advantages tailored to different needs, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Cream Yellow switches, it is notable that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This commonality suggests that users can expect a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile from both switches when the keys are released. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, allowing for a more resonant sound that enhances the overall auditory experience. Additionally, both switches, featuring clear top housings, are advantageous for showcasing RGB lighting. This translucency makes them particularly appealing to those who appreciate the aesthetics of illuminated keyboards.
Contrastingly, the two switches diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Gateron Aliaz opts for polycarbonate, mirroring its top housing and thereby reinforcing the switch's clear and resonant sound profile throughout its entire structure. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow employs a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon typically absorbs more sound, giving it a more rounded auditory output when the keys are pressed. This difference in bottom housing material means that while both switches share similar characteristics in terms of the top housing sound, the overall auditory experience will be split, with the Aliaz retaining clarity and the Cream Yellow leaning towards a more muffled, softer sound.
Ultimately, the experience of using either switch will be shaped by the combination of their respective housing materials. While the Aliaz delivers a uniform sound profile thanks to its construction of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, the Cream Yellow’s reliance on nylon at the bottom introduces a duality in sound, with a softer feel when bottoming out. Thus, players looking for a keyboard feel may opt for the Cream Yellow for a diverse acoustic experience, while those who favor the crispness will likely gravitate toward the Gateron Aliaz, appreciating the advantages of polycarbonate in both components.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a heavier switch ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Cream Yellow features a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, appealing to users who enjoy the ease of a lighter touch, which can facilitate longer typing sessions and gaming. While the Aliaz's heavier forces provide a firmer feel, the Cream Yellow offers a medium profile that balances comfort and response. Overall, the Gateron Aliaz is the heavier option, while the KTT Cream Yellow is lighter, allowing users to select a switch based on their personal typing preferences and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, the Aliaz has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cream Yellow measures at 3.5 mm. This means that the Aliaz provides a longer travel distance, which some users may find preferable for a more tactile and satisfying keypress experience. The Cream Yellow, on the other hand, offers a shorter travel distance that may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and more rapid key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences: those who enjoy the deeper feel of a longer travel distance may favor the Aliaz, whereas users who prioritize speed and responsiveness could lean toward the Cream Yellow.
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 KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 quieter environments, producing a muted sound when pressed. This makes them ideal for office settings where minimizing noise is essential. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switches are characterized by their distinctively clacky sound, delivering a sharp and snappy feedback with each keystroke. This clackiness is attributed to the shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. Therefore, users can expect a stark contrast: the Aliaz offers a soft, subdued auditory experience while the Cream Yellow provides a bright, percussive sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz provides a silky and polished typing experience, where the reduced friction allows for an exceptionally smooth key travel. Each keystroke feels substantial due to their medium-heavy weight, enhancing the tactile feedback without excessive resistance. Conversely, the KTT Cream Yellow switches offer a bouncier feel, characterized by a spring-like rebound that provides a lively typing sensation. The combination of the longer spring and design elements contributes to this elasticity. Thus, while both switches offer distinct tactile qualities—one being smooth and refined, and the other being dynamic and responsive—the experience they provide during typing is fundamentally different.
In conclusion, users looking for a quiet typing experience with a refined feel may find the Gateron Aliaz accommodations appealing, especially in shared spaces. Contrastingly, those who enjoy a more engaging auditory and tactile feedback will likely gravitate towards the KTT Cream Yellow switches with their lively bouncy sensation and sharp sound. Ultimately, both switches represent unique aspects of mechanical keyboard design, catering to different preferences that can significantly affect the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch will largely depend on your typing environment and personal preferences. If you find yourself frequently in a quiet office setting or require a less distracting keyboard experience, the Gateron Aliaz is your best bet. With its muted sound profile and heavy tactile feedback, it delivers a sophisticated, silky typing experience that minimizes noise while still providing a satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, should you enjoy a more expressive typing experience with a lively and bouncy feel, the KTT Cream Yellow switch would be the way to go. This switch's clacky sound and lower actuation force of 58 grams make it ideal for those who appreciate an energetic and responsive feel, perfect for gaming or for those who relish an engaging auditory experience. Ultimately, your ideal switch hinges not just on the numbers, but on the specific atmosphere in which you work or play and the tactile feel that resonates with your typing style.
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