Gateron Aliaz vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and TTC Gold Silver stand out as popular options for different reasons. The Gateron Aliaz is a tactile switch known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for office environments. Its medium-heavy weight provides a satisfying feel to typing, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver is a linear switch that excels in rapid responsiveness, thanks to its shortened travel distance. Each keystroke culminates in a solid bottom-out, offering a sense of closure with every press. The switch also boasts a smooth journey from initial press to bottoming out, creating a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity. 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
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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 housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and TTC Gold Silver switches both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, leading to sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the bottom housing of the Aliaz features polycarbonate, while the Gold Silver uses nylon. Nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While both switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profiles. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound associated with polycarbonate, while the Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This means that the sound and feel of typing on these switches will be influenced by the qualities of their respective bottom housings. The impact of the bottom housing will be more pronounced on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and TTC Gold Silver switches play a crucial role in determining their sound profiles. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, but the difference in bottom housing materials results in varying sound characteristics. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the clear and resonant sound associated with polycarbonate, while the Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials creates unique typing experiences for users of each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Additionally, the Aliaz has a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Gold Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Aliaz switch requires more force to press down and actuate a keystroke, as well as to fully bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Silver switch is lighter to press, which may be preferred by users looking for a more effortless typing experience, especially during long typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on the user's preference for a heavier or lighter actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aliaz switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver switch, making it the longer option. In general, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying keystroke feel, allowing for more precise typing. On the other hand, the Gold Silver switch with a shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for quicker response times, which can be advantageous for gaming or fast typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 switch offers a muted typing experience, ideal for quiet environments like offices. This switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to traditional mechanical switches, making it a great choice for those who value discretion. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deep and satisfying noise with each keystroke. The Gold Silver switch also offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings and users. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both the Aliaz and Gold Silver switches offer a polished and silky typing experience. These switches are designed to provide smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and enhancing overall typing comfort. Additionally, the Aliaz switch is described as offering a silky and polished feel, enhancing the typing experience with minimal resistance. The Gold Silver switch, on the other hand, offers a more mild and subtle typing feel, providing a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience that caters to a wide range of preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch excels in providing a quiet and substantial typing experience, with a focus on tactile feedback and muted sound. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch prioritizes rapid responsiveness and solid bottom-outs, accompanied by a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer a polished and silky typing feel, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and the specific environment in which the keyboard will be used.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize a quiet and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, the Aliaz switch is your best bet, especially for office environments. On the other hand, if you value rapid responsiveness, a shortened travel distance, and a thocky sound profile, the Gold Silver switch may be more suited to your typing style. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, choose the switch that enhances your typing experience and meets your individual requirements.
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