Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, to the Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch, it is important to consider the different characteristics of each. The Aliaz switch is perfect for quiet environments like the office, offering a medium-heavy weight that gives a satisfying feel to each keystroke without the noise. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch has a shorter travel distance and provides a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. While the Aliaz switch is described as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Ink Yellow switch is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Aliaz being ideal for those who value a more pronounced typing feedback and the Ink Yellow offering a smooth and clacky 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Ink Yellow both feature housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Aliaz utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Ink Yellow features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both offer distinct sound profiles, the use of different materials in the top housing gives each switch its own unique auditory experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Aliaz and Ink Yellow switches also have distinct characteristics. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its sharp, high-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing maintains the switch's clacky sound, providing consistency throughout the switch's design. Despite the differences in material, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their bottom housing materials, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Ink Yellow differ, the impact they have on the typing experience varies accordingly. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a unique tactile and auditory experience depending on whether they opt for the Aliaz with its polycarbonate housing or the Ink Yellow with its proprietary INK blend housing. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, giving users the opportunity to choose the one that best suits their typing style.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch both have an actuation force of 60 grams, meaning that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aliaz has a heavier force of 75 grams compared to the Ink Yellow's 67 grams. This makes the Aliaz switch feel more substantial when typing, providing a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the Ink Yellow switch allows for a smoother typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. So, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Aliaz is heavier overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a more robust typing experience, while the Ink Yellow is lighter and more suitable for those who prefer a smoother feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Ink Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Aliaz. This means that the Ink Yellow switch will require slightly less force to actuate due to the shorter distance traveled. Gamers who prioritize speed and quick response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow switch. On the other hand, those who prefer a more tactile typing experience with a bit more depth may lean towards the Aliaz switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
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 known for its muted profile, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for quiet environments like an office. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a hint of clackiness, giving a moderate sound that suits most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. The sound produced by both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This results in an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch also offers a polished typing experience, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Ink Yellow switch provides a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users due to its safe middle-ground qualities in both sound and feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is best suited for those looking for a quiet and substantial typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is a great choice for users seeking a smoother typing feel with a mix of laptop and standard mechanical keyboard experience. Both switches offer polished and refined typing experiences, with the Aliaz focusing on a tactile feel and muted sound, and the Ink Yellow providing a linear feel with a neutral sound profile. Depending on personal preferences, users can expect similar quality results in terms of smoothness and overall typing satisfaction from either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you require a silent typing experience with a heavier feel, the Aliaz switch is your best bet. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Ink Yellow switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your preference for sound and feel will dictate which switch is the right choice for you. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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