Gateron Aliaz vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, to the KTT Mint, a linear switch, it becomes apparent that they each have unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz switches are perfect for quiet environments such as the office, thanks to their silent design and medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Mint offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem and a light, fleeting feel. While the Aliaz switch excels in providing a pronounced typing feedback without noise, the Mint switch stands out for its smoothness and unique thockiness. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Mint switches both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. In contrast, the Mint switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, the difference in bottom housing material between the Aliaz and Mint switches results in varying sound profiles. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing continues the trend of a sharper and clearer sound, emphasizing clarity and resonance in the bottom-out sound when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Mint's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more muted and rounder sound upon bottoming out a key. This difference showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound profile of the switch, with polycarbonate providing a sharper tone and nylon offering a more subdued sound experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and KTT Mint switches demonstrate how the choice of housing materials can significantly influence the sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for its sharp and clear sound characteristics, the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing further enhances these qualities, while the Mint's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound can help keyboard enthusiasts choose switches that best suit their preferences for key feel and sound output. Whether opting for the sharper tones of polycarbonate or the deeper tones of nylon, both the Aliaz and Mint switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is evident that the Mint is a lighter option compared to the Aliaz. The Aliaz has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a heavier switch. On the other hand, the Mint has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls in the medium-light category. The difference in weight between the two switches can significantly impact the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Mint more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Aliaz with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, meaning that users can expect similar results in terms of key press travel. In terms of comparison, both switches offer the same amount of travel distance, which can provide a consistent typing experience for users. The tactile feedback of the Aliaz switch may offer a different typing sensation compared to the linear feel of the Mint switch. Ultimately, while their travel distances are equal, the typing experience between the two switches may vary based on their respective tactile or linear nature.
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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 offers a muted typing experience, perfect for quiet environments like the office. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy tone compared to the Aliaz. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound, with the Aliaz focusing on a quieter typing experience while the Mint delivers a unique poppy thockiness.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Similarly, the KTT Mint linear switch also boasts a polished feel, ensuring smooth key travel and a gentle typing experience. Both switches excel in offering a sleek and approachable typing feel, making them suitable for users looking for a comfortable and pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz is tailored for quiet environments with its muted sound and substantial feel, while the Mint provides a unique poppy thockiness and light typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, but users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either choice, especially if they prioritize smoothness and refined feel in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider your environment and personal preferences. If you are in need of a keyboard switch that is quiet and offers a more substantial typing feel, the Aliaz may be the better choice with its heavier bottom out force and muted sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a smooth and poppy thockiness, the Mint with its lighter bottom out force and low-pitched, neutral sound may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you value a pronounced tactile feedback in a quiet office setting or a smooth and light typing experience with a satisfying sound profile. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and working environment.
Mentioned in this article
