Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Quinn both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz switch is ideal for quiet environments such as the office, providing a medium-heavy weight for a substantial feel with each keystroke. It offers a muted and silky typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy pronounced feedback without the accompanying noise. On the other hand, the Quinn switch stands out for its crisp, light tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, creating a rich and immersive typing experience. With a wide range of categories including snappy, bouncy, and buttery, the Quinn switch offers a precise and clean tactile bump with a touch of character. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Quinn both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Aliaz using polycarbonate for both top and bottom and the Quinn using nylon for both top and bottom. In terms of sound profile, the Aliaz with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings will have a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Quinn's nylon top and bottom housings will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences.
Aesthetically, the Aliaz with its polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who prioritize RGB lighting as polycarbonate is translucent and allows for better light transmission. Conversely, the Quinn's nylon top housing may not be as visually appealing for users who want to showcase RGB lighting. However, the nylon material provides a different typing experience with a deeper sound profile. While both switches may have different visual and auditory impacts, they both offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Quinn comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics. The Aliaz offers a crisper, clearer sound profile with its polycarbonate housing, while the Quinn provides a fuller, rounder sound with its nylon housing. Whether you prioritize a higher-pitched sound with better light transmission or a deeper sound with a more classic switch material, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience, with the housing materials playing a key role in shaping the sound profile of each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 75 grams to bottom out, while the Quinn requires 59 grams to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out. This means that the Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, while the Quinn offers a slightly lighter touch for those looking for a smoother typing experience. Both switches have similar characteristics, so users can expect comparable results in terms of typing performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Aliaz the longer travel distance of the two. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, while a 3.4mm travel distance provides a more responsive and quicker typing experience. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, whereas those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and Quinn switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 switch offers a muted typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch provides a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile during key presses, creating a deep and rich auditory experience. This means that if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Aliaz would be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a more immersive and characterful sound, the Quinn would be more suitable.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch is silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, providing a more responsive and lively typing sensation with a prominent amount of tactility. If you prefer a smoother typing experience, the Aliaz would be the way to go, whereas if you enjoy a more tactile and responsive feel, the Quinn would be more suitable.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz switch is ideal for those who value a quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switch is perfect for users who appreciate a crisp, light switch-like tactility combined with a deep, resonant sound profile for a more immersive typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between the Aliaz for a quieter and smoother typing experience or the Quinn for a more characterful and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance, and you can expect similar results in terms of durability and reliability from both options.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Quinn tactile switches, consider your preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you are looking for a substantial typing feedback with a quieter sound for a professional setting or shared workspace, the Aliaz switch with its heavier bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique combination of light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound that adds character to your typing experience, the Quinn switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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