Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver stand out for their distinct characteristics tailored to different user needs. The Aliaz switches are revered for their silent operation, making them ideal for quiet environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy weight, they provide a tactile experience that offers satisfying feedback without disruptive noise, appealing to those who value a peaceful typing atmosphere. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are designed for gamers, boasting a shorter travel distance of just 3.4mm that enhances their responsiveness during fast-paced gaming sessions. Their medium-high pitch sound adds an engaging auditory experience, while the vibrant RGB lighting and frosted diffuser contribute to an immersive gaming setup. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your primary usage: if you seek a quiet yet tactile experience for typing, the Aliaz will suit you well, whereas if you want speed and a lively audio-visual experience for gaming, the G Pro Silver is an obvious choice. 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches both feature polycarbonate for their top housings, which leads to remarkably similar sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate—a stiffer plastic—results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the switches are engaged. The translucency of the polycarbonate allows for impressive RGB lighting effects, making both switches aesthetically pleasing in illuminated setups. This similarity in top housing material contributes to a clear, resonant sound profile for both types of switches, ensuring that users can expect a comparable auditory experience when typing or gaming.
In contrast to their shared top housing material, the Gateron Aliaz and G Pro 3.0 Silver diverge significantly in their bottom housings. The Aliaz employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the higher-pitched tone established by its top section, resulting in a more consistent sound when keys are pressed. The properties of polycarbonate keep the sound clear and focused, continuing the theme established by the switch's design. Meanwhile, the G Pro 3.0 Silver incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, yielding a rounder and more muted sound on bottoming out. Therefore, the bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver introduces a contrasting auditory experience that stands in contrast to the Aliaz's more unified sound profile.
Ultimately, the differences in bottom housing materials influence the overall acoustic experience of each switch. The Gateron Aliaz delivers a more consistent sound due to its use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a notable sharpness and clarity throughout the typing experience. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing dampens the sound, leading to a softer auditory feedback. When users utilize these switches together within a keyboard, they will experience a combination of the crispness of polycarbonate in the Aliaz and the muted fullness of nylon in the G Pro 3.0 Silver—demonstrating how variations in housing materials can significantly impact both sound and feel in tactile responses.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch present a clear contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a much lighter actuation force of just 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who favor a smoother, less strenuous keystroke, ideal for lengthy typing sessions or gaming marathons. Consequently, users will find the Aliaz switch heavier and more tactile, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is lighter and more conducive to rapid key presses. These differences mean that typists looking for a more forceful feel might gravitate towards the Aliaz, while those seeking ease of use during extended periods will likely prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Aliaz featuring a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the shorter 3.4 mm of the G Pro 3.0 Silver. For users who enjoy the tactile feedback of a switch with more depth, the Aliaz is likely the preferable option, offering a more traditional feel that allows for greater key travel. On the other hand, gamers seeking quicker response times may favor the G Pro 3.0 Silver, as its shorter travel distance promotes faster actuation. Overall, the Aliaz is the longer switch and the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the shorter, highlighting a clear distinction in experience based on personal preference for key travel 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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 is designed for quiet environments, producing a muted auditory profile that minimizes typical mechanical keyboard noise. This makes it an excellent option for office settings where noise can be disruptive. The key sound is soft and less intrusive, making it ideal for those who prefer a serene working atmosphere. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch emits a much bassier audio experience, characterized by deeper tonal qualities. It is distinguished by its low-pitched, thocky sound, resembling a soft thud each time a key is pressed. This enhanced auditory feedback can significantly elevate the gaming experience, providing users with satisfying aural cues that feel rewarding during gameplay.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is noted for its silky and polished nature, contributing to a smooth, refined typing experience. The overall feel is designed to minimize friction, allowing for a more effortless keypress that is especially pleasant during long typing sessions. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy, indicative of its smooth keystroke experience. This seamless sensation makes each press feel fluid and integrated, which is particularly beneficial in fast-paced gaming situations where quick inputs are essential. Both switches excel in delivering a refined tactile experience, but the Aliaz leans more toward office-friendly typing, while the G Pro Silver emphasizes gaming performance.
Overall, choosing between the Gateron Aliaz and the G Pro 3.0 Silver involves considering the intended use. The Aliaz switch is excellent for those in quieter environments looking for a smooth, muted experience, making it perfect for typing tasks. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, on the other hand, provides lively auditory feedback and rapid responsiveness, appealing to gamers who require speed and tactile engagement. While both switches offer exceptional qualities in their respective domains, each caters to different preferences and use cases, ensuring that users can find a suitable option tailored to their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing and gaming needs. If you often find yourself in quiet environments, such as an office, and value a quieter switch for your typing experience, the Aliaz is an excellent option. Its heavier bottom out force of 75 grams offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, coupled with a muted sound profile, which enhances focus and minimizes distractions. On the other hand, if you're primarily focused on gaming and require speed, the G Pro 3.0 Silver will serve you better thanks to its lightweight feel (50 grams bottom out force) and shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, allowing for faster key presses and a competitive edge. This switch not only provides a creamy and buttery typing sensation that feels smooth and effortless but also offers an engaging auditory experience with its deeper, bassy sound. Thus, consider your environments and tasks: go for the Aliaz for a refined, quiet typing experience or the G Pro 3.0 Silver for an enhanced gaming performance filled with satisfying, rich sound and rapid responsiveness.
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