Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch. The Aliaz is perfect for quiet environments such as offices, offering a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke without the noise. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black boasts Gateron's premium quality at a budget-friendly price, with a heavier linear feel appealing to those seeking a more substantive typing experience. While the Aliaz is known for its smooth, muted, polished feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is recognized for its clacky, creamy, subdued, silky, subtle characteristics. Both switches have their strengths depending on personal preference; let's dive 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
60g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While both offer unique sound profiles, the Aliaz's polycarbonate top housing is known for a sharper and crisper sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched tone.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black also showcase differences. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. The G Pro 3.0 Black, on the other hand, features a POM bottom housing that creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This contrasting sound profile between the two switches' bottom housing materials highlights the impact that different materials can have on the overall typing experience. While the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a clear and resonant sound, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing delivers a unique and pleasing deeper tone.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black housing materials will depend on personal preference for sound profiles. Both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their top and bottom housing materials. However, if one is looking for a sharper and crisper sound, the Aliaz with its polycarbonate housing may be the preferred choice. Conversely, if a deeper and more muted sound is desired, the G Pro 3.0 Black with its POM bottom housing might be more suitable. Despite their differences, both switches provide exceptional typing experiences that can satisfy a wide range of preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, we can see some differences in weight. The Aliaz has a heavier bottom out force of 75 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black's 70 grams, making the Aliaz the heavier option in this aspect. However, both switches have the same actuation force of 60 grams. This means that when it comes to triggering a keystroke, users will experience a similar feel with either switch. The Aliaz's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those looking for a more substantial typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Black's slightly lighter bottom out force may be preferred by those looking for a more moderate feel. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in how comfortable and enjoyable typing or gaming experience can be.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a consistent feel across different switch types. With identical travel distances, you can expect comparable results in key response and feedback when using either the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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 is best suited for quiet environments like office settings, as it produces a muted sound that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a clacky sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, it also offers a more subdued sound compared to most switches, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel, providing a refined finish for a sleek typing experience. As for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, it is characterized by a creamy feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This is often due to factory lubrication or specific materials used, resulting in a silky sensation that allows fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. Additionally, it has a subtle resistance that maintains a light typing feel, suitable for shared spaces. Both switches offer a premium typing experience with their unique tactile and linear characteristics.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch each have their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz is tailored for quiet environments, providing a medium-heavy weight and a muted sound, while offering a silky and polished feel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black appeals to those seeking a more substantive typing experience with its clacky sound and creamy feel. Both switches deliver a premium typing experience tailored to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs and requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, consider the environment you'll be using the keyboard in and your preference for typing feedback and noise level. If you work in a quiet office setting and prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, the Aliaz switch with its medium-heavy weight and muted sound may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more substantive typing experience in a budget-friendly package, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch with its medium-heavy feel, clacky and subdued sound, and creamy feel may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing setup.
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