Gateron Aliaz vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Darling stand out with their unique characteristics. The Aliaz switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for office environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. With a medium-heavy weight and a tactile feedback, it provides a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feel. The Darling switch, on the other hand, offers a linear typing sensation that is both chewy and substantial, accompanied by a bouncy and responsive keystroke. While the Darling may be louder with its high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, it delivers a blend of tactile and auditory feedback that some users may find more engaging. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Darling share some similarities in the sense that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a vibrant display of colors. On the other hand, the KTT Darling utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound experience when typing on the Darling switch.
It is worth noting that the top and bottom housings of a switch play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. In the case of the Aliaz switch, the qualities of the polycarbonate bottom housing contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the impact of the polycarbonate top housing is more noticeable when releasing a key. On the other hand, the KTT Darling's nylon bottom housing has a more substantial influence on the sound profile when typing, due to its ability to absorb more sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate material.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Darling utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Darling opting for nylon. This results in distinct sound profiles, with the Aliaz offering a sharper and crisper sound, while the Darling provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. The top and bottom housing materials of a switch play a crucial role in shaping its overall typing experience, with each material contributing unique qualities to the sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Darling linear switch. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of force to actuate a key and 75 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. In contrast, the Darling only needs 45 grams to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out, placing it in the medium-light category. Some users may prefer the Aliaz for a more substantial typing experience, while others may opt for the Darling for a lighter touch, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Aliaz has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Darling. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Aliaz is more traditional, providing a deeper key press feel, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the Darling offers a shorter key press, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press depth.
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 Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 Aliaz switch offers a muted typing experience, perfect for quiet environments such as an office setting. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch provides a more clacky and high-pitched sound when bottoming out, creating an engaging auditory feedback. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Aliaz being quieter and the Darling delivering a more resonant and sharp sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the KTT Darling switch offers a bouncy sensation, giving the keys a springy and elastic feedback that adds to the overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile feels, with the Aliaz focusing on smoothness and the Darling emphasizing a bouncy and lively feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz provides a medium-heavy weight feel with muted sound, tailored for quiet environments, while the Darling offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a more clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired. Whether you prefer a quieter, smooth typing experience or a more engaging and bouncy feel, both the Aliaz and Darling switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the KTT Darling linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing feedback, noise level, and typing experience. If you are looking for a switch that offers a substantial and pronounced typing feedback without the noise, the Aliaz switch with its medium-heavy weight could be the ideal choice, especially for quiet office environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing sensation that is chewy and substantial, with a bouncy and springy responsiveness, the Darling switch might be more suitable, offering a unique tactile and auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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