Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Melodic 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 Gateron Melodic. The Aliaz switch is well-suited for quiet environments such as the office, offering a silent design that won't disturb others. With a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke, it provides a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Melodic switch redefines the clicky switch category with smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, delivering a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with enhanced smoothness. Categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished' for the Aliaz, and 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', 'Crunchy' for the Melodic, each switch offers unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Melodic switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of the plastic. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches is not only functional in terms of sound quality but also aesthetically pleasing, especially if RGB lighting is a consideration. However, the Aliaz switch stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing, which reinforces the clear and resonant sound profile associated with polycarbonate, while the Melodic switch features a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound.
In terms of sound quality, the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Melodic switches both prioritize a sharp, crisp, and resonant sound profile with their polycarbonate top housings. However, the material used for the bottom housing sets them apart - the Aliaz with its polycarbonate bottom housing and the Melodic with its nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Melodic switch leads to a deeper and fuller sound experience, adding a unique character to the typing feel. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz reinforces the clear and resonant sound profile associated with polycarbonate, delivering a consistent sound throughout the typing experience.
While the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Melodic switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, they diverge when it comes to the bottom housing material. The Aliaz switch's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the top housing, resulting in a consistent and clear sound profile throughout key presses. In contrast, the Melodic switch's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, offering a different typing experience compared to the Aliaz. Despite these differences, both switches deliver high-quality sound profiles that cater to different preferences, making them versatile options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a unique typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, which has a medium actuation force. However, the Aliaz also has a heavier bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Melodic switch for its lower actuation force, making it easier to type for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Gateron Aliaz switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both types of switches cater to different preferences, with the Aliaz offering a heavier typing feel and the Melodic providing a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing force and experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. When comparing the two switches, both offer a consistent tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes due to their equal travel distance. Users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key travel with both switches. This means that whether you choose the Aliaz or the Melodic switch, you will get a similar travel distance and overall performance in terms of typing feel.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 offers a muted experience, ensuring a softer and quieter typing environment ideal for office settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile, giving users a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience with classic clicky feedback. While the Aliaz focuses on minimizing noise, the Melodic enhances the auditory feedback with a clean and sharp sound reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves.
When it comes to feel, the Aliaz switch is silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced overall smoothness. Conversely, the Melodic switch provides a buttery and invigorating feel, creating a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying tactile experience, with the Aliaz focusing on smoothness and the Melodic emphasizing a more reactive and immersive typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz provides a quiet and substantial typing experience with muted sound and silky smooth feel, suitable for those who prefer a more subdued environment. In contrast, the Melodic delivers a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating feel, catering to users looking for a more immersive and tactile typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you require a quiet keyboard for an office setting or a shared space, the Aliaz switch with its heavy bottom out force and muted sound may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more vibrant and resonant typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a crunchy, clicky sound, the Melodic switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel and sound profile will guide you in selecting the ideal switch for your needs.
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