Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Ink Black V2, a linear switch, offer distinct typing experiences for different preferences. The Aliaz switches are perfect for quiet environments, such as offices, with their silent design and medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a classic linear switch favored by the community for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. While the Aliaz switch offers a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, the Ink Black V2 provides a smoother and quieter typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Ink Black V2, both switches feature polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is especially advantageous for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. This indicates that while both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the sound profile it produces may differ based on the specific blend of materials used.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Aliaz and the Ink Black V2 switches have different materials. The Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which also contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Similarly, the Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is not overly sharp. The choice of material for the bottom housing can significantly impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, highlighting the importance of this component in determining the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the top housing may be the same for both the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches, the bottom housing materials differ. This distinction plays a crucial role in the sound profile and feel of the switches when typing. Whether it is the stiffer polycarbonate material of the Aliaz or the proprietary INK blend of the Ink Black V2, each housing material brings its unique characteristics to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Aliaz has a heavier bottom out force of 75 grams compared to the Ink Black V2's 70 grams. Both switches have the same actuation force of 60 grams. This means that when typing on the Aliaz switch, users will need to apply more force to fully press down the keys compared to the Ink Black V2. The Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Ink Black V2 offers a slightly lighter typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding the weight of the keys and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, users will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience with both switches, as the tactile feedback of the Aliaz and the smooth linear action of the Ink Black V2 will be felt over the same distance. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance that provides a satisfying typing 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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 is known for its muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for quiet environments like the office. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch has a low-pitched, bassy sound with a slight chirp, giving it a deeper and richer acoustic signature that some users may prefer. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, so choosing between them would depend on personal sound preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is typically described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is noted for its mild and polished feel, offering a more gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback. Both switches excel in providing a refined typing sensation, so the choice between them would come down to individual preferences regarding the level of tactility desired.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch each offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Aliaz switch is preferred for its muted sound and substantial tactile feedback, the Ink Black V2 switch stands out for its low-pitched, bassy sound and smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would depend on whether a user values a quieter typing experience with pronounced tactility or a deeper, richer sound with a smoother typing feel. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboard setups would provide a clearer understanding of which one aligns best with personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, consider your environment and personal preferences. If you work in a quiet office setting and enjoy a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, the Aliaz switch with its medium-heavy weight may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound, the classic linear feel of the Ink Black V2 switch might be more appealing. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so ultimately, the choice comes down to your individual typing style and environment.
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