Gateron Aliaz vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between tactile and linear options, each offering distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Aliaz, categorized as a tactile switch, excels in quiet environments, making it an ideal choice for office settings where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Its medium-heavy weight delivers a satisfying, pronounced feedback with each keystroke while maintaining a muted sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smoothness and lightweight actuation force, offering a gliding typing experience that many gamers and typists crave. The Hibiscus produces a crisp and poppy sound, providing an engaging auditory element that contrasts sharply with the Aliaz's subdued nature. While the Aliaz's tactile feedback is perfect for those who appreciate a more tangible connection to their typing, the Hibiscus appeals to users seeking swift and seamless keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
T3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and HMX Hibiscus utilize distinctly different materials for their housing, which significantly affects their overall acoustic profiles. The Aliaz boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature that promotes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to the transparency and rigidity of the polycarbonate, which resonates more clearly when a key is released. In contrast, the Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for its softer composition that produces a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in material results in a strikingly contrasting auditory experience during usage, with the Aliaz leaning towards a bright and consistent sound output while the Hibiscus provides a more muted and rounded acoustic feel.
Examining the bottom housings, both switches retain their respective materials—polycarbonate for the Aliaz and nylon for the Hibiscus. As with the top housings, the polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, more resonant sound, which enhances the typing experience with its clarity and definition. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Hibiscus tends to absorb sound, giving it a softer quality that results in a deeper, richer sound profile. Therefore, the bottom housing's material becomes pivotal in defining the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when pressing the keys on these switches. This dichotomy in materials is essential in sculpting the overall acoustic experience each switch provides.
The differences not only shape the sound profile but also demonstrate how the combined materials of each switch affect the typing experience. If both the top and bottom housings were made of the same material, the resultant sound characteristics could align more closely. For instance, if both the top and bottom of the Aliaz were made from polycarbonate, the collective sound would likely be brighter and crisper. On the other hand, a switch entirely constructed from nylon would yield a more uniform, softer auditory experience. However, in the case of the Aliaz and Hibiscus, the combination of materials serves to create a duality in sound—highlighting how the interaction between different housing materials can lead to unique and varied typing sensations.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz switch has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, categorizing it as a heavier switch. In contrast, the Hibiscus switch features a significantly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This disparity makes the Aliaz more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Hibiscus is ideal for those who value a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Overall, the Aliaz switch offers a heftier feel that some users may appreciate, while the Hibiscus caters to those looking for ease and speed in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Aliaz features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Hibiscus has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key, the Aliaz would likely be the better choice for you, providing a more hearty feel with its longer travel distance. Conversely, if responsiveness is your priority—especially for gaming where quicker key actuation can be advantageous—the Hibiscus may be more suitable due to its shorter travel distance, enabling faster response times. Ultimately, the selection comes down to personal preference in tactile feedback and responsiveness, with the Aliaz being the longer option and the Hibiscus being the shorter.
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 HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 is designed specifically for quieter environments, offering a muted auditory experience that minimizes the typical mechanical keyboard noise. This makes it an ideal choice for office settings or shared spaces where distinct keystrokes can be disruptive. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch presents a completely different sound signature characterized as clacky, poppy, and crispy, providing a more vibrant auditory feedback with each press. It’s important to note that the overall sound profile of both switches can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch is notable for its silky and polished characteristics, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. This enhances the overall sensation of typing by minimizing resistance during key presses and ensuring a seamless return to the starting position. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switch, while boasting an ultra-light actuation force, does not have a specific description regarding its tactile feel. However, it is recognized for delivering an unparalleled smoothness, which may suggest an enjoyable typing experience, albeit without the defining tactile feedback offered by the Aliaz.
In summary, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is ideal for users seeking a quiet, smooth, and refined typing experience, making it fitting for shared workspaces. Conversely, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch caters to those who enjoy a louder, more expressive typing experience, highlighted by its clack and pop sounds. The choice largely depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback; if you prioritize silence and smoothness, go for the Aliaz. If you seek an exhilarating auditory and tactile experience, the Hibiscus is a compelling option. However, since the Hibiscus's specific feel is less defined, it may require a hands-on evaluation to fully grasp its qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Aliaz tactile switches and HMX Hibiscus linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you find yourself in a quiet office environment where minimizing noise is essential, the Aliaz switches are the ideal option for you. Their muted sound profile combined with a medium-heavy weight provides a tactile feel that gives satisfying feedback without the typical clickiness, making them perfect for focused typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter key press and appreciate a smoother, more fluid typing experience, the HMX Hibiscus switches are your go-to. With a notably light actuation force and a delightful clacky sound signature, these switches are suited for those who enjoy the thrill of rapid key presses and value a responsive feel in gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. Ultimately, consider the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard, as well as your tactile preferences, to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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