Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow 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 Yellow, a linear switch. The Aliaz switches are known for their silent design, making them ideal for quiet environments such as 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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out as a budget-friendly option in the linear switch category. Typing on these switches produces a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy feel. While the Aliaz is described as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is characterized by 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant' qualities. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances the switch's sound profile by creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting for added visual effect. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow differs with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound, offering a unique typing experience compared to the Aliaz.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the use of different bottom housing materials, polycarbonate for the Aliaz and nylon for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, result in distinct typing experiences. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing complements its top housing, contributing to a sharper and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, when pressing down on the switches, users will feel the impact of the housing material on the bottom-out sound and feel, highlighting the differences in sound between the two switches.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow offer a unique typing experience due to their polycarbonate top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the sound profile of the switches, creating a more distinct and clear typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the typing experience. While the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a different sound profile, both switches offer quality construction and performance, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Aliaz requires 75 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow needs 67 grams. This makes the Aliaz switch heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a lighter typing feel, which can be preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in that aspect. When comparing the travel distance of the two switches, they both offer the same feedback and feel when pressed down, resulting in similar results in terms of keypress response. Users will experience a consistent travel distance with both switches, which can be beneficial for those looking for a specific typing experience. Therefore, whether opting for the Gateron Aliaz or the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch, users can expect a similar tactile feedback and keypress experience due to their identical travel distances.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 and softer typing experience compared to the higher pitched and resonant sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch. The Aliaz switch is more suitable for quiet environments like offices, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch provides a more clacky and bouncy sound that some users may find more engaging. When it comes to feel, both switches are described as offering a polished typing experience, with the Aliaz switch being smooth and refined, providing a substantial feel to each keystroke, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a creamy and buttery typing sensation that allows for effortless keystrokes. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel, with the Aliaz switch being more suitable for those who prefer a quieter and more pronounced typing feedback, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is ideal for those who enjoy a higher pitched sound and a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide a quality typing experience and users can expect similar results in terms of overall performance and durability.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you find yourself in a quiet environment like an office and prefer a more substantial typing feedback without the noise, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch with its medium-heavy weight and muted sound profile would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile along with a polished and creamy feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch would be your go-to option. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches should be based on your preference for typing experience, noise level, and budget constraints.
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