Gateron Aliaz vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring options for mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices that often come up are the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the TTC Flaming Purple, a linear switch. The Aliaz switches are known for their quiet operation, making them ideal for office environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. They offer a medium-heavy weight for a substantial typing feel and a more pronounced feedback without the accompanying noise. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant and engaging sound signature, with a touch of poppy undertone that adds flair to each keystroke. Additionally, it boasts a light bottom-out force of just 47g, making typing swift and effortless. Both switches have their strengths and unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences and usage scenarios. 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
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Flaming Purple switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting, as the light will shine through the clear housing. However, the TTC Flaming Purple switches differentiate themselves with a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and TTC Flaming Purple switches play a significant role in the overall sound profile of these switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharper and crisper sound, the Aliaz stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing, offering a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This difference in bottom housing material highlights the importance of not only the top but also the bottom housing in influencing the overall sound quality of a switch.
The impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the sound and feel of a switch is crucial to consider when comparing the Gateron Aliaz and TTC Flaming Purple switches. While the top housing primarily influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Both switches showcase the benefits of polycarbonate top housings in creating a clear and resonant sound, but the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. This highlights the importance of choosing switches with housing materials that complement each other to achieve the desired sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is apparent that the Aliaz is heavier while the Flaming Purple is lighter. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches provide different weight options to cater to individual preferences, with the Aliaz offering a heavier feel and the Flaming Purple a lighter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, the Aliaz has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Flaming Purple's 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aliaz being slightly longer than average. The Aliaz may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper travel distance, while the Flaming Purple may appeal to gamers seeking a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the depth of key press desired.
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 TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 tactile switch offers a muted typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound to minimize noise in quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch provides a bassy and resonant sound profile, adding a touch of poppy undertones to each keystroke. The Flaming Purple switch offers a more engaging auditory experience with a lower frequency range, while the Aliaz switch prioritizes a noiseless typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This switch provides a medium-heavy weight, delivering a substantial feel to each keystroke for a more pronounced typing feedback. In contrast, the Flaming Purple switch is characterized as feathery and easy-to-press, with a bottom-out of just 47g, ensuring swift and effortless typing. This switch requires minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is ideal for those seeking a quiet and substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy weight and muted sound profile. In comparison, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a more resonant and engaging typing experience with a bassy sound profile and a feathery feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a silent typing experience with pronounced feedback or a more resonant sound profile with effortless key presses.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard and your preference for typing feedback. If you're looking for a switch suitable for quiet spaces like the office and enjoy a medium-heavy weight with a more pronounced typing feedback, the Aliaz switch with its 75g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more resonant and engaging auditory experience, the Flaming Purple switch with its 47g bottom out force and bassier sound profile might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and environments.
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