Gateron Aliaz vs. SP-Star Meteor White

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and SP-Star Meteor White offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Aliaz switch is a tactile option, ideal for those seeking a more pronounced typing feedback without the noisy distractions, making it perfect for quiet environments like the office. With its medium-heavy weight and 'Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished' feel, the Aliaz switch provides a substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White is a linear switch known for its gentle and subdued nature. Offering a soft push and gentle sound profile, this switch falls under categories like 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users based on their 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

Gateron Aliaz Tactile

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$8.00

$5.50 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the SP-Star Meteor White housing materials, it is evident that both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, particularly noticeable when typing on the switch. In contrast, the Meteor White utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.

Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Gateron Aliaz and the SP-Star Meteor White switches provide unique characteristics that impact the overall typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the Aliaz results in a more vibrant and distinct sound profile, especially beneficial for those looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Meteor White creates a softer and more muffled sound, ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. These contrasting sound profiles highlight how the choice of housing material can greatly influence the overall feel and sound of a switch.

While the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the SP-Star Meteor White switches differ, both materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of the switch. The split nature of the qualities each housing material brings to the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key, showcases the importance of both components in creating a satisfying typing experience. Whether opting for the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Aliaz or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Meteor White, users can expect a distinct sound profile that enhances their typing experience.

Weight

The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 75 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. In contrast, the Meteor White has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 57 grams, indicating a lighter and more medium-light touch. The weight of a switch is important as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Some may prefer the lighter weight of the Meteor White for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier feel of the Aliaz for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distances, it is evident that both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the keys travel from top to bottom. This means that whether you choose the Aliaz or the Meteor White switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and actuation point. In essence, the travel distance of both switches is identical, ensuring a familiar typing feel regardless of which switch you choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is best suited for those looking for a muted typing experience, perfect for quiet environments like offices. The soft and subtle sound produced by the Aliaz switch minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a smooth and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a hint of thocky goodness. This switch produces a gentle pitter-patter sound, ideal for a soothing and satisfying typing experience.

When it comes to feel, both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. The Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined feel to each keystroke. The Meteor White switch also boasts a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel for a comfortable typing experience. While the Aliaz switch offers a medium-heavy weight for a substantial feel, the Meteor White switch is easy to push, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switch excels in providing a quiet and substantial typing feedback, while the Meteor White switch offers a soft and gentle typing experience. Whether you prefer a muted sound with a medium-heavy weight feel or a neutral sound with an easy push, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that is enhanced by their smooth and polished finishes. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel, as both switches are capable of delivering similar results in terms of overall performance and satisfaction.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you value a heavier typing feel and a more pronounced feedback in a quiet environment, the Aliaz switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keypress with a gentle sound profile and a softer typing experience, the Meteor White switch could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Aliaz Tactile

$8.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more