Gateron Aliaz vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Iron. The Aliaz switch is renowned for its quiet operation, making it ideal for office settings where noise is a concern. It offers a medium-heavy weight for a substantial typing feel and provides a pronounced feedback without the accompanying sound. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch stands out for its distinctive clacky sound signature that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. It is remarkably light, making typing sessions swift and fatigue-free, with buttery smooth travel for precision and pleasure. Both switches offer unique characteristics catered to different preferences, but let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Iron, one key difference lies in the housing materials used. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. Conversely, the Iron utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This creates a more unique and pleasing auditory experience for users.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Aliaz also uses polycarbonate, mirroring the qualities of the top housing in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound when keys are pressed, while also maintaining compatibility with RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Iron employs a POM bottom housing, which further enhances the deeper and more muted sound profile characteristic of this material. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch when keys are pressed, providing a different tactile experience compared to polycarbonate.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Iron will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile feedback. While both switches offer unique qualities in their housing materials, the Aliaz with its polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile ideal for those seeking clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the Iron with its POM housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, catering to users looking for a different auditory experience. Whether used for gaming or typing, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, it is evident that the Aliaz requires a higher amount of force for both actuation and bottom out compared to the Iron. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Iron has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Aliaz the heavier option, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Conversely, the Iron is lighter, making it more suitable for long typing sessions where lighter actuation and bottom out forces are preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Iron switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Aliaz switch. The difference may not be significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Iron switch for faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for 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 TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 offers a muted typing experience, producing softer and quieter key presses ideal for quiet office settings. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch provides a clacky sound signature that is crisp, bright, and percussive, adding an aural satisfaction to each keystroke. The difference in sound profile between the two switches caters to different preferences, with the Aliaz being more subdued and the Iron being more pronounced.
Turning to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering exceptionally smooth key presses with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the TTC Iron switch is described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. While the Aliaz focuses on a refined and smooth typing feel, the Iron emphasizes effortless and comfortable typing with low-impact key presses.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and TTC Iron linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz excels in providing a medium-heavy weight with a muted typing sound and a silky, polished feel, ideal for those seeking a more substantial and refined typing experience in a quiet environment. On the other hand, the Iron stands out with a pronounced clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, offering a more audible and swift typing experience that is both satisfying and fatigue-free. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience in different ways.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, consider the environment and typing preferences you have. If you're looking for a switch tailored for quiet environments like the office, with a medium-heavy weight for a substantial feel and pronounced typing feedback, the Aliaz would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced clacky sound signature, light actuation force for swift typing sessions, and buttery smooth travel for precision and pleasure in each keystroke, then the Iron switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal preferences in regards to sound, feel, and typing experience.
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