Gateron Aliaz vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the KTT Rose, a linear switch, it's clear that both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz is favored for its quiet operation, making it ideal for office settings, while providing a medium-heavy weight for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Rose switch stands out for its progressive springs, offering a substantial yet not heavy typing feel. While the Aliaz is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Rose is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different users. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Rose switches both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. The Aliaz's polycarbonate top housing is particularly beneficial for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the light to shine through. Similarly, the Rose's polycarbonate top housing offers the same sound quality and aesthetic benefits as the Aliaz, making it a solid choice for those looking for a clear switch housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to the overall sound profile by offering clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Rose utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. This distinction in bottom housing material highlights the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when selecting a switch for a desired sound experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Rose switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile with their polycarbonate top housing, but diverge in sound characteristics with their bottom housing materials. The Aliaz provides a clearer and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Rose offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound will determine which switch is the better fit for your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, it's evident that the Aliaz is the heavier of the two. 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. On the other hand, the Rose has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. While the Aliaz offers a heavier typing experience, the Rose falls somewhere in between in terms of force required. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Aliaz providing a more substantial feel and the Rose offering a slightly lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent and uniform travel distance experience. The similarity in travel distance between the Aliaz and Rose switches ensures that users will get comparable results in terms of key press feedback and typing feel. This makes them both suitable options for those who prefer a standard travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 per 10 switches.
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 muted typing experience, perfect for quiet environments like the office. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch produces a low-pitched and bass-heavy sound, reminiscent of soothing raindrops. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Aliaz focusing on silence and the Rose providing a more melodic typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key presses and reduced friction. Similarly, the KTT Rose switch is also described as polished, providing a sleek typing feel with reduced resistance. While the Aliaz offers a medium-heavy weight for a more substantial typing feedback, the Rose switch utilizes progressive springs for a substantial yet gentle typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a refined and polished typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz excels in providing a quiet and substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, while the Rose stands out with its low-pitched sound and gentle yet substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing feedback, but both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience with their distinct characteristics. Whether you prefer a muted and substantial typing experience with the Aliaz or a bass-heavy and polished feel with the Rose, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you value a quieter typing experience and prefer a heavier keystroke, the Aliaz switches are a great choice for office settings. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more unique typing experience with a lower actuation force and a bass-heavy sound, the Rose switches with progressive springs may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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