Gateron Aliaz vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the KTT Purple Click, a clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and specific needs. The Aliaz switch is ideal for quiet environments such as an office setting, offering a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. Its silent design makes it a great option for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, characterized as smooth, muted, and refined. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch, also known as Purple Sauce, provides a satisfying high-pitched click with light keystrokes and pronounced tactility that is not overwhelming, striking a perfect balance. Described as crunchy, invigorating, resonant, and stepped, the Purple Click is a great choice for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience. However, let's dive 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
40g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and KTT Purple Click both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting. However, the Aliaz also utilizes polycarbonate in its bottom housing, while the Purple Click uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material likely affects the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
The split between using polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings in the Gateron Aliaz results in a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. The stiffer polycarbonate material in both the top and bottom housings contributes to a clear and resonant sound both when pressing down on the key and when releasing it. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique typing experience. While the top housing's polycarbonate material produces a sharp and crisp sound, the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in a mechanical switch can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both the Gateron Aliaz and KTT Purple Click feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the differences in their bottom housing materials, polycarbonate and nylon respectively, create distinct typing experiences. The Aliaz offers a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke due to its use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings, while the Purple Click provides a unique typing experience with a combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch can greatly influence the overall typing feel and sound for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is clear that they offer different weight options for users to choose from. The Aliaz features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Purple Click, while those seeking a heavier push feel may lean towards the Aliaz. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, they both offer a consistent travel distance that allows for a satisfying keypress experience. Users can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when using either switch. Despite the similarities in travel distance, the tactile feedback and sound profile of the switches differentiate them in terms of user preference. Ultimately, whether a shorter or longer travel distance is preferred will depend on the individual's typing style and personal preference.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 switch offers a more muted typing experience, making it ideal for quiet environments like an office where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch provides a crunchy and resonant click that adds a satisfying auditory feedback to each keystroke. Depending on your preference for sound, the Aliaz switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a softer and quieter typing experience, while the Purple Click switch would appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced and immersive sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Aliaz switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction for a refined feel. In comparison, the Purple Click switch provides an invigorating and stepped sensation, with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel that engages the user with each keystroke. Depending on your preference for typing feel, the Aliaz switch would be preferred by those looking for a smooth and refined typing experience, while the Purple Click switch would be better suited for individuals who enjoy a more tactile and reactive feel.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switch provides a quieter and more substantial typing experience with its muted sound and silky feel, making it ideal for office environments. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a satisfying clicky sound and invigorating feel, perfect for those looking for a more tactile and immersive typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options that will deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it all boils down to your preferences and work environment. If you value a silent typing experience and prefer a medium-heavy keypress with a substantial feel, the Aliaz switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a satisfying click with light keystrokes and a pronounced tactility without being too overwhelming, then the Purple Click switch is the one for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a heavier feel or a clicky and light typing sensation. Whichever switch you choose, both the Aliaz and Purple Click offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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