Gateron Aliaz vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Gateron Aliaz and the Cherry MX Brown. The Aliaz switch is a tactile option known for its silent design, making it ideal for quieter environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy weight that provides a satisfying keystroke feel, it caters to those who enjoy a pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is lauded for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and minimal audio feedback. This makes it a great choice for users who prefer a more understated typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Cherry MX Brown, the Aliaz utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This is in contrast to the MX Brown's nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Aliaz's polycarbonate top housing is more ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, whereas the MX Brown's nylon top housing is a classic choice that provides a more rounded sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing that also contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the MX Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, matching its top housing's characteristics. The split between the two housing materials in a switch allows for a combination of qualities to be felt when typing, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and Cherry MX Brown switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Aliaz's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, the MX Brown's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound with a more absorbent quality. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, appealing to users based on their individual preferences for sound and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials will depend on the user's desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Aliaz switch is heavier compared to the MX Brown switch. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is lighter in comparison. Some users may find the lighter actuation force of the MX Brown switch more comfortable for typing for longer periods of time, whether at work or during extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, they both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The uniformity in travel distance between the Aliaz and MX Brown switches ensures that users can expect consistent results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. Ultimately, whether opting for the Gateron Aliaz or the Cherry MX Brown, users can anticipate a tactile typing experience with a 4mm travel distance.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch offers a muted typing experience, greatly reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch produces a deeper and richer sound profile, giving off a bass-heavy and low-pitched tone during key presses. When it comes to feel, the Aliaz switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and minimal resistance. In contrast, the MX Brown switch is described as textured, potentially providing some friction when pressed.
Ultimately, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a substantial feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch would be the preferable option. On the other hand, if you favor a more subtle and tactile typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Brown switch might be the better choice for you. Keep in mind that both switches offer their own unique qualities, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether you choose the Gateron Aliaz or Cherry MX Brown, you can expect to get a similar level of quality and performance depending on your typing preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a heavier touch and a more pronounced typing feedback in a quiet environment, the Aliaz switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with subtle tactility and a quieter typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile and auditory experiences, so it's important to test them out to see which one feels more comfortable and enjoyable for your typing style.
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