Gateron Aliaz vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and Akko V3 Piano Pro offer unique experiences for users. The Aliaz switch is a tactile option, known for its medium-heavy weight and silent design, making it a great choice for those working in quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is a linear switch with a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. While the Aliaz switch offers a more pronounced typing feedback without noise, the Piano Pro switch combines auditory charm with smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience. 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
55g
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
Partial box
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
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches present some interesting differences. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in materials leads to distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Aliaz and V3 Piano Pro switches continue to diverge. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the qualities of its top housing, producing a clear and resonant sound profile. Conversely, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience, creating a rounder sound due to the absorption of more sound by the softer plastic. These differences in bottom housing materials further differentiate the typing experiences offered by these two switches.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches differ, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The impact of each housing material is felt differently when pressing down and letting go of a key, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing contributing to the sound on key release. Whether opting for the sharper and crisper sound of the Aliaz's polycarbonate material or the deeper and fuller sound of the V3 Piano Pro's nylon, users can enjoy distinct typing experiences based on their preference for sound profile and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Aliaz requires a heavier touch than the Piano Pro. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it heavier compared to the Piano Pro, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the Piano Pro offers a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals who prefer either a lighter or heavier keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Aliaz has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Piano Pro. The difference may not be significant, but it can impact the overall feel and response of the switch. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro with a shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress experience might opt for the Aliaz with a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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, producing softer and quieter sounds that are ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a distinct clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. The V3 Piano Pro also offers a resonant sound profile, giving a higher-pitched and immersive experience. Depending on preference, users can choose between the muted and quiet sound of the Aliaz or the lively and sharp sound of the V3 Piano Pro.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. These switches minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, providing a comfortable and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like elastic feedback and a smooth buttery typing experience. Additionally, the V3 Piano Pro also has a polished and silky finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Users can appreciate the smooth and polished feel of the Aliaz or the bouncy and creamy experience of the V3 Piano Pro.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz provides a quiet and substantial typing experience with muted sound and a silky feel, while the V3 Piano Pro delivers a lively and crisp typing experience with clacky sound and a bouncy and creamy feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and key feel, users can choose between the quiet elegance of the Aliaz or the vibrant liveliness of the V3 Piano Pro. Regardless of choice, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective subjective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a medium-heavy weight for a substantial typing experience in a quiet environment like the office, the Gateron Aliaz switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force and a snappy sound signature for a lively typing experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches would be the better option. Consider your preferences for typing feedback, noise level, and bottom out force when choosing between the two switches to find the one that suits your typing style and environment best. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
