Gateron Aliaz vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and KTT Orange mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they offer distinct features tailored to different preferences. The Aliaz switch is ideal for those working in quiet environments like offices, with its silent design and medium-heavy weight providing a substantial feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch boasts a bouncy feel due to its 22mm long spring, along with a slick, frictionless typing experience and low-pitched sound profile. While the Aliaz switch is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished', the KTT Orange switch is labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched'.
These general descriptions give an overview of what each switch has to offer, but to truly determine the best switch for your needs, further exploration and understanding of their individual characteristics and features are essential.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Orange switches are both made of polycarbonate, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. Both switches offer similar sound profiles and visual appeal with their polycarbonate top and bottom housings.
While both the Aliaz and Orange switches feature polycarbonate top housing, they may differ in the design and construction of their bottom housing. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. By utilizing polycarbonate in the bottom housing, the switches can maintain a consistent sound profile and tactile feedback throughout the typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of these switches ensures a cohesive and high-quality typing experience for users.
The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings of a switch can impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the Aliaz or Orange, influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a tactile response when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. By incorporating polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing, these switches offer a balanced combination of tactile feedback and sound profile for an enhanced typing experience. Ultimately, whether it's the Gateron Aliaz or the KTT Orange, the use of polycarbonate in their housing materials ensures a consistent and high-quality typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that the Aliaz is heavier in both aspects compared to the Orange. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Orange offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Both switches have a noticeable difference in weight, with the Aliaz being heavier and the Orange being lighter. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a heavier or lighter typing experience to suit their needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Orange switch the shorter option compared to the Aliaz switch. The 4.0 mm travel distance on the Aliaz is more traditional and may provide a deeper feeling when typing, whereas the 3.5 mm travel distance on the Orange switch may offer a quicker response time for gamers. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive keypress or a slightly deeper keypress. Both switches offer quality options for different typing experiences.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 experience, which is ideal for quieter environments like offices where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, giving a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience, with the Aliaz being softer and quieter, while the Orange delivers a deeper and more mellow sound, providing options for different preferences depending on the user's preference in sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz offers a silky and polished typing experience, meaning that users can expect an exceptionally smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and effortless key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch provides a bouncy and frictionless sensation, giving keys a spring-like feedback and an extremely smooth typing experience free of resistance. Both switches offer different tactile sensations, with the Aliaz providing a refined and smooth typing experience, while the Orange offers a more elastic and frictionless feel for those seeking a livelier keystroke.
Overall, when considering the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, both switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Aliaz is best suited for those who prefer a medium-heavy weight with a quiet typing experience and pronounced feedback, while the Orange is ideal for those looking for a bouncier and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, whether you choose the Aliaz or the Orange, you can expect to get a satisfying and tailored typing experience based on your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch tailored for a quiet environment like an office, with a substantial typing feedback and a heavier feel, then the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Orange linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound, and environment where you will be using the keyboard. Consider these factors carefully to make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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