Gateron Aliaz vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Pine. The Gateron Aliaz is a tactile switch that is perfect for quiet environments like the office due to its silent design. It offers a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth feel and effortless typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction for smooth key travel. The Aliaz is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', while the Pine is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched'. Each of these switches has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Pine switches, both switches use polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. This means that they will have similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. Both switches will feature a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall look of the switches.
While the materials used for the top and bottom housing of the Aliaz and Pine switches are the same, the impact of these materials may vary based on which part of the switch they are used in. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the overall typing experience when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing will influence the sound produced when a key is released, adding to the overall sound profile of the switch. Despite these differences, both switches will still offer similar benefits in terms of sound clarity and resonance due to the polycarbonate material used in their construction.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and KTT Pine switches offer similar qualities in terms of housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as well as the ability to showcase RGB lighting due to the translucency of the material. While the impact of these housing materials may vary based on their placement in the switch, both switches will ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience with clear, resonant sound characteristics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the Aliaz has a heavier touch compared to the Pine. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, while the Pine only needs 45 grams. When bottoming out, the Aliaz demands 75 grams of force, while the Pine requires 58 grams. This means that the Aliaz offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier touch, which may be preferred by those seeking a more robust feel. On the other hand, the Pine provides a lighter touch, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where a lighter actuation force is desired. Both switches have their own advantages depending on the user's preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz and KTT Pine switches both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance. Despite having the same travel distance, the Aliaz switch is a tactile switch, meaning it provides feedback when pressed, while the Pine switch is a linear switch, which provides a smoother typing experience without tactile feedback. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a standard 4mm distance, providing a consistent typing experience for users.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is best described as producing a muted sound, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, giving a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and reduced resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the KTT Pine switch provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation, allowing for a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. Both switches prioritize a smooth and refined feel, making typing sessions more comfortable and enjoyable.
Taking everything into account, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch each have their own distinct qualities in sound and feel. While the Aliaz switch excels in providing a medium-heavy weight and a substantial typing feedback with a muted sound, the Pine switch offers a buttery smooth feel with a bassy sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches can provide a satisfying keystroke feel. Ultimately, whether you choose the Aliaz or Pine switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets your specific needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you need a quiet switch for an office setting or a shared space, the Aliaz with its muted sound and substantial feel may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a buttery feel and bassy sound, the Pine switches with their lower bottom out force could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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