Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch. The Aliaz switches are known for their silent design, making them ideal for quiet environments like the office. With a medium-heavy weight, they offer a substantial feel to each keystroke, perfect for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red is a budget-friendly linear switch that provides a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force. It also features a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting effects and a medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory experience. While the Aliaz switch leans towards a muted and polished feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy and silky sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for typing experience and noise level. 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
50g
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
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that have RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings.
While both the Aliaz and the G Pro 3.0 Red utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The split in housing materials means that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing material will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials can lead to a unique typing experience for each switch, as the combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red will come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel. The Aliaz, with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, will provide a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a softer and more rounded typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Aliaz switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. The lighter actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Red switch caters to users who value prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Overall, while the Aliaz switch offers a heavier typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch provides a lighter touch that may be preferred by some users for its ergonomic benefits. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from top to bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent feedback and typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Both switches offer a standard travel distance, making them suitable for those who prefer a moderate keypress depth. Thus, in terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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 Red 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 Red 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 described as producing a muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for office environments. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a neutral sound profile, striking a balance between actuation force and sound level suitable for various settings. The choice of keycaps and keyboard housing can further influence the sound produced by these switches.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key presses with reduced friction and resistance. Meanwhile, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is known for its creamy and mild feel, delivering a buttery smooth sensation with a gentle typing experience similar to the Aliaz switch. Both switches offer a refined and sleek typing feel that caters to a wide range of users.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch both provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard users seeking a specific typing experience. The Aliaz switch is more tailored towards a quieter environment with a medium-heavy weight, while the G Pro Red switch offers a smoother typing experience with a medium-light actuation force and vibrant RGB lighting effects. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, either switch can deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines: Opt for the Aliaz if you prefer a heavier keystroke with a quiet operation, making it ideal for office environments where noise level is a concern. The Aliaz offers a substantial feel to each keystroke, providing a more pronounced typing feedback. On the other hand, choose the G Pro 3.0 Red if you prefer a lighter keystroke with a smooth and satisfying typing experience. The G Pro Red strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making it suitable for a variety of typing preferences and environments. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so select the one that aligns with your individual needs and preferences.
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