Gateron Aliaz vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Aliaz and TTC Gold Red Pro stand out as popular options with their own unique characteristics. The Gateron Aliaz is a tactile switch that shines in quiet environments like the office, offering a medium-heavy weight for a satisfying keystroke experience without the noise. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro is a linear switch known for its versatility, providing a smooth and easy press that caters to a wide range of user preferences. While the Aliaz is praised for its pronounced typing feedback, the Gold Red Pro boasts a neutral sound signature that adapts well to any setting. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and TTC Gold Red Pro both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of sound profile, the Aliaz and Gold Red Pro switches offer contrasting experiences due to their housing materials. The polycarbonate housing of the Aliaz creates a sharper and clearer sound when typing, with a higher-pitched tone. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a more crisp sound. In comparison, the Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing imparts a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its ability to absorb more sound. This results in a mellower typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a quieter and more muted sound profile.
While the top housings of both the Gateron Aliaz and TTC Gold Red Pro are made of polycarbonate, their bottom housings differ significantly with the Aliaz featuring polycarbonate and the Gold Red Pro using nylon. This creates a unique combination of sound characteristics for each switch, with the Aliaz emphasizing clarity and resonance in the top housing, while the Gold Red Pro focusing on depth and fullness in the bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch with an actuation force of 43 grams, making the Gold Red Pro lighter in this regard. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, as it is not specified for the Gold Red Pro. The Aliaz has a bottom out force of 75 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gold Red Pro switch due to its lower actuation force, which can reduce fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Aliaz switch may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with its heavier actuation force. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the actuation force, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer relatively standard travel distances, with the Aliaz being slightly longer than the Gold Red Pro. The slight difference of 0.2 mm may not be significant for all users, but for those who prefer a slightly shorter travel distance, the Gold Red Pro may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the Aliaz. Ultimately, both switches offer a good balance between travel distance and responsiveness, allowing for a comfortable typing or gaming experience.
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 Red 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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and satisfying auditory experience when typing. The neutral sound signature of the Gold Red Pro makes it suitable for any environment, while the Aliaz provides a quieter typing experience ideal for office settings. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Aliaz being more subdued and the Gold Red Pro having a richer tone.
As for the feel, both the Aliaz and the Gold Red Pro switches offer a polished and silky typing experience. A polished switch indicates smooth and refined finishes, resulting in reduced friction and enhanced key travel, while a silky switch provides an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance. Additionally, the Gold Red Pro is described as mild and subtle, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for shared spaces. The Aliaz, on the other hand, provides a medium-heavy weight that gives a substantial feel to each keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch display distinct characteristics in both sound and feel. The Aliaz excels in providing a quiet and substantial tactile feedback, making it suitable for office environments, while the Gold Red Pro offers a versatile and harmonious typing experience with its thocky sound and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences and the intended usage environment, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches, each delivering unique qualities that cater to different needs. Whether opting for the Aliaz or the Gold Red Pro, users can rest assured that they will get similar results of a smooth and polished typing feel, albeit with varying sound profiles to suit their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are in need of a switch that provides a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke without creating noise, the Aliaz may be the right choice for you, especially in office settings. On the other hand, if you require a versatile switch that offers a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature suitable for any setting, the Gold Red Pro may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a pronounced feedback (Aliaz) or a smooth and adaptable typing experience with a neutral sound profile (Gold Red Pro). Consider your preferences and needs carefully before making your choice.
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