Gateron Aliaz vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch to the TTC Neptune linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features and benefits for different typing preferences. The Aliaz is perfect for quiet environments like the office, with its silent design and medium-heavy weight providing a substantial feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure, offering a smooth and frictionless glide with a springy resistance that gives a unique "matte" feel to each keystroke. While the Aliaz provides a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, the Neptune ensures swift and effortless typing with a muted sound signature. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Neptune, we can see that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and clear resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, while the Neptune opts for a POM bottom housing instead. This difference may lead to a slight variation in the overall sound profile and feel of these switches.
On the one hand, the POM bottom housing of the TTC Neptune creates a more muted and deeper sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Gateron Aliaz. This difference in sound can impact the overall typing experience and may appeal to different preferences, with some users favoring the deeper and more muted sound of the Neptune while others prefer the sharper and crisper sound of the Aliaz. Despite the variation in bottom housing material, both switches still maintain the overall qualities of polycarbonate in their top housing, ensuring a clear and resonant sound profile for both.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Neptune will come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housing, the different bottom housing materials may result in distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer the crisper sound of the Aliaz with its polycarbonate bottom housing or the deeper, more muted sound of the Neptune with its POM bottom housing, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to a variety of preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Neptune linear switch. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 75 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. On the other hand, the Neptune only needs 41 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, indicating a lighter touch. The weight of a switch is crucial as it affects typing stamina and the overall typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Neptune switch for longer typing sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial push feel may opt for the Aliaz switch. In essence, the Aliaz provides a heavier typing experience, whereas the Neptune gives a lighter and smoother typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, we can see that the Aliaz has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Neptune has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Neptune the shorter option, while the Aliaz is slightly longer. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Aliaz being on the longer end and the Neptune being on the shorter end. Depending on personal preference, the choice between the two switches may come down to whether you prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial feel or a shorter travel distance for quicker response times. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 is known for its muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch is described as having a low-pitched and subdued sound, creating a more bass-heavy, mellow tone while still maintaining a quiet ambiance. Both switches provide a more understated typing sound compared to traditional mechanical switches, ensuring a more refined auditory experience, with the Neptune potentially offering a deeper "thocky" sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction for comfortable typing. Conversely, the TTC Neptune linear switch provides a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, giving a seamless and effortless keystroke experience reminiscent of springy textures like mochi or tapioca pearls. Both switches aim to provide a pleasurable typing feel, with the Aliaz focusing on smoothness and substantial feedback and the Neptune offering a unique texture and springy resistance.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch offer different but equally appealing qualities to cater to different preferences. The Aliaz excels in providing a medium-heavy, substantial feel with a muted typing sound, ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure, offering a smooth, almost frictionless typing experience with a springy resistance feel and a low-pitched, subdued sound signature. Choosing between these switches would largely depend on whether you favor a more traditional tactile typing experience with a quiet sound or a unique textured feel with a bass-heavy, mellow tone. Ultimately, both switches promise an enjoyable and refined typing experience suited for various preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you work in a quiet office setting and prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a pronounced feedback, the Aliaz switch with its 75-gram bottom out force would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth, almost frictionless typing experience with a lighter 50-gram bottom out force and enjoy a muted sound signature, the TTC Neptune linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and the ambiance you desire in your workspace.
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