Gateron Aliaz vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Gold Brown Pro stand out as exceptional options to consider. The Aliaz switch is ideal for quiet environments such as the office, offering a medium-heavy weight that provides a satisfying feel with each keystroke. Its silent design and pronounced typing feedback make it a great choice for those who value both peace and tactile responsiveness. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro excels in providing subtle, nuanced feedback with its gentle tactile bump. This switch's subdued sound profile and understated tactile experience allow users to fully immerse themselves in their tasks without the distraction of loud keystrokes. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Gold Brown Pro both feature a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial if RGB lighting is a priority for the user. In contrast, while the Aliaz also uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Gold Brown Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Gold Brown Pro provide unique characteristics to the switches. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Gold Brown Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This results in a different sound and feel when typing on the switches. The stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz may lead to a more defined bottom-out sound and feel, while the softer nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown Pro may offer a smoother bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the impact of the top housing material is felt more when releasing a key, influencing the sound profile as the key returns to its resting position.
In summary, both the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Gold Brown Pro utilize polycarbonate top housing to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, the choice of bottom housing material differs between the two switches, with the Aliaz featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing and the Gold Brown Pro incorporating a nylon bottom housing. This results in a varying typing experience, with the Aliaz providing a clearer and resonant sound due to the stiffer bottom housing, while the Gold Brown Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound profile from the softer nylon bottom housing. Overall, the housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches, giving users a choice between a crisper sound with the Aliaz or a deeper sound with the Gold Brown Pro.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Aliaz is heavier with an actuation force of 60 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Aliaz requires 75 grams, while the information for the Gold Brown Pro is not available. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Gold Brown Pro, as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. On the other hand, the Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out force. Both switches allow users to type comfortably for extended periods of time, as they cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the standard range of travel distances for mechanical keyboards. The Aliaz offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth and cushion when typing, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can appeal to those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing experience and the desired level of responsiveness. Overall, despite the slight difference in travel distance, both switches offer similar results in terms of overall performance and feel.
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 Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch offers a muted experience, perfect for those who prefer a softer and quieter typing environment, making it ideal for office settings or other noise-sensitive areas. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, giving typists a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory feedback. While the Aliaz switch aims for a minimizing noise approach, the Gold Brown Pro switch enhances the typing experience with a more pronounced and satisfying sound.
In terms of feel, both the Aliaz and Gold Brown Pro switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. The Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gold Brown Pro switch is also noted to be polished and silky, showcasing a sleek typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Gold Brown Pro switch is further described as mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a gentle typing experience with a more nuanced tactile bump compared to the Aliaz switch.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer smooth and refined typing experiences, they differentiate in sound profiles, with the Aliaz providing a muted and quiet typing experience and the Gold Brown Pro offering a thocky and low-pitched sound. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback. If you value a more pronounced sound profile and subtle tactile bump, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better choice. However, if a quiet and refined typing experience is what you seek, the Aliaz switch would be the optimal option. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality tactile feedback, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for newcomers looking to explore the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, consider your environment and personal preferences. If you work in a quiet office setting and enjoy a medium-heavy key feel with a pronounced typing feedback, you may lean towards the Aliaz switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile bump and a subdued sound profile for immersive typing experiences, the TTC Gold Brown Pro may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and environments, so choose the one that best aligns with your needs and preferences.
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