Gateron Aliaz vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, making it essential to understand the differences between options like the Gateron Aliaz and the Keygeek Keylin. The Aliaz is a tactile switch designed specifically for quiet environments, such as offices, prioritizing a silent operation while still providing a medium-heavy weight that delivers a substantial feel to each keystroke. This makes the Aliaz an ideal choice for users who value pronounced feedback in their typing without the accompanying noise, characterized by its silky, muted, and polished feel. In contrast, the Keylin linear switch offers a different experience altogether, utilizing new molds from Keygeek to provide a premium typing experience defined by exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics. While the Keylin excels in delivering a seamless key press that's favored by gamers and typists alike for its uninterrupted travel, it lacks the tactile feedback that some users prefer. Both switches cater to distinct preferences and environments, making the choice between them a matter of personal comfort and use case. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
38g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Keygeek Keylin, a notable distinction occurs between the top and bottom housings. The Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is stiffer, allowing sound waves to resonate more clearly and resulting in a more vibrant aural experience. On the other hand, the Keylin employs nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which lends to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound waves more effectively, creating a more rounded and muted auditory response. Thus, while both switches employ effective materials, their contrasting properties lead to different overall sound profiles when typing.
The characteristics of both switches illustrate how different materials can yield unique auditory results. With the Aliaz’s polycarbonate setup, users can expect clearer sound definitions, particularly during key releases. This heightened responsiveness is attributed to polycarbonate’s stiffness, making it ideal for users who favor a more pronounced sound experience, particularly when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucent nature. Conversely, the Keylin's nylon housing tends to produce a more subdued auditory experience, as the material absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This design may appeal to those who prefer a softer keystroke and subtler auditory feedback while typing.
When using these switches, the sound profiles will reflect the individual characteristics of the top and bottom housings. The Gateron Aliaz’s consistent use of polycarbonate throughout brings a harmonious clarity to both the bottom-out and key release sounds. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin delivers a sound profile that is unified in its deeper and fuller resonance, offering an immersive typing experience. The differentiation in housing materials between these switches means that users will experience distinct sensations and auditory outcomes, giving them a variety of choices to suit their personal preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on whether one prefers the crispness of polycarbonate or the soft depth of nylon.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Keylin's actuation force is significantly lighter at 38 grams, alongside a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who favor ease of use over a heavy push feel. This lighter action can enhance comfort during prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, if you're leaning towards a lighter switch for extended use, the Keylin is the way to go, while the Aliaz would be more suitable for users seeking a firmer and more pronounced keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, it is evident that they cater to differing preferences in typing feel. The Aliaz tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with more traditional preferences for depth and offers a more substantial keystroke experience. In contrast, the Keylin linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, providing a more responsive feel that can be beneficial for rapid key presses, often favored by gamers. Thus, for those who enjoy a hearty depth in their typing experience, the Aliaz is the preferable option, while users aiming for quicker response times might lean towards the Keylin. Overall, the differences in travel distance between these switches highlight the individual preferences in keyboard dynamics—4 mm for a deeper feel versus 3.6 mm for increased responsiveness.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 switches stand out for their muted characteristic, making them ideal for quiet environments like offices. They produce a softer, quieter sound that minimizes noise, ensuring a peaceful typing experience without the clacky sounds typically associated with more traditional mechanical switches. In comparison, little is known about the acoustic profile of the Keygeek Keylin linear switches; however, they are noted for delivering rich acoustics. Given that sound perception can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycap material, users may find both switches suitable for different auditory preferences depending on their specific setups.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switches offer a notably silky and polished typing experience. This is attributed to their medium-heavy weight, which provides a satisfying resistance during keystrokes while significantly reducing friction through refined materials or factory lubing. The smoothness of each keystroke can enhance typing efficiency and comfort over extended usage. Meanwhile, the feel characteristics of the Keylin switches are not detailed in the provided information, making direct comparisons on this aspect more challenging. However, given their reputation for a premium typing experience, it's reasonable to expect they also provide smooth, refined key travel.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz switches cater specifically to users seeking a quiet yet tactile typing experience with a smooth feel and substantial feedback. They excel in environments where noise is a consideration, making them suitable for office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, while specific details about the Keylin switches remain unknown, their emphasis on rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness suggests a premium offering. For users evaluating these switches, the choice will come down to a preference for muted sound versus the potentially richer audio experience of the Keylin, alongside the notable tactile feedback provided by Gateron's meticulously designed Aliaz switches.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you find yourself in quiet settings like an office where noise can be disruptive, the Aliaz switch would be ideal due to its muted sound profile and heavier 75-gram actuation force, providing a satisfying tactile response without the clatter typical of other mechanical switches. This heavier force also appeals to those who enjoy a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, the Keylin switch, with its 48-gram actuation force, can deliver that effortless glide, making it perfect for extended typing sessions when speed and comfort are paramount. Its premium feel and acoustic richness enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, assess your priorities—whether you value tactile feedback and quiet operation or prefer a smooth, rapid response—before making your choice between these two excellent options.
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