Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact both the typing experience and the overall enjoyment of using the keyboard. The Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, is particularly appealing for those working in quiet environments such as offices, where its silent design and medium-heavy weight provide a satisfying keystroke feel without disturbing others. With its silky, muted, and polished characteristics, the Aliaz caters to users who appreciate subtle feedback while maintaining discretion in their typing. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a linear switch, presents an enticing option for those who desire a smoother and more fluid typing experience. With its medium weight and thocky sound profile, it offers exceptional smoothness while also breaking the price barrier, making it an attractive choice for many users. Both switches cater to different preferences and environments, making the decision dependent on individual needs. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches both utilize distinctly different materials for their top and bottom housings, offering unique sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate housing for both its top and bottom, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This stiffer plastic allows sound to resonate clearly, enhancing the overall auditory experience of using the switch. Its translucence makes the Aliaz particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups, as the light can shine through the housing, creating a vibrant visual effect.
In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM for both the top and bottom housings, which leads to a deeper, more muted sound profile. This material encapsulates a unique sound that provides a softer tactile experience, differing significantly from the crispness of the Aliaz. POM’s acoustic properties allow for a more pleasant and subdued auditory feedback when the switch is engaged. Aesthetically, the characteristics of POM may not support RGB lighting to the same extent as polycarbonate, but its distinct sound profile makes it appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience.
When comparing the two, the differences in housing materials create contrasting auditory experiences where the Aliaz offers a more pronounced sound due to the polycarbonate, while the Sea Salt Smoothie focuses on a richer, deeper tone through the use of POM. However, if the top and bottom housings were to be the same material in either switch, users would experience a more homogenized sound profile, balancing the characteristics of both housing types. This would further emphasize how a single material choice affects the overall tactile and auditory feedback, resulting in a cohesive experience whether the user favors the clarity of polycarbonate or the muted depth of POM.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Aliaz switch features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a heavier option that provides a substantial typing feel. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, which caters to those who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, making it challenging to determine how it compares in that regard. Overall, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might be drawn to the Aliaz, while the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to users who favor a lighter touch, potentially enhancing comfort during long periods of use.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the Aliaz will provide a more substantial depth and feedback, appealing to those who appreciate a hearty feel in their switches. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, though some might find it feels too abrupt. Overall, if you are looking for a more traditional and deeper typing experience, the Aliaz would be the preferred choice due to its longer travel distance, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a faster, more response-driven interaction with its shorter travel distance.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 assessing the sound profiles of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, a notable distinction emerges. The Aliaz is designed for quiet environments, producing a muted sound that minimizes the noise commonly associated with mechanical typing. This makes it particularly suitable for office settings where discretion is key. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a thocky sound profile, which adds a depth and resonance to each keystroke, enhancing the auditory experience without becoming overly loud. While the Aliaz caters to those who prioritize silence, the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to users who enjoy a richer, more textured sound.
Feeling the difference between these two switches reveals a significant contrast as well. The Aliaz provides a medium-heavy weight that delivers a substantial tactile feedback without being overwhelmingly stiff, contributing to a more pronounced typing experience. Its silky and polished feel ensures a smooth typing action, minimizing resistance and friction. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a consistent smoothness typical of linear switches, making it highly satisfying to type on, although specific descriptors of its tactile qualities are less defined. This means that while the Aliaz promotes an engaging tactile experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie focuses more on fluidity and ease of key travel.
In summary, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is ideal for users who seek a quiet typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback, making it suitable for office environments. Its sound is muted yet satisfying, while its feel is silky and polished. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch favors a richer auditory experience with its thocky sound, alongside a smooth typing feel that appeals to those who favor effortless keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to select between a more tactile, silent experience and a smooth, resonant one based on their typing needs and environment.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you operate in a quiet setting, such as an office, and value both a tactile response and minimal noise, the Aliaz is your best bet. With its heavier bottom-out force of 75 grams, it provides a pronounced feedback that can improve your typing accuracy while maintaining a peaceful environment. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that combines smoothness with a satisfying acoustic profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent option. Although its bottom-out force remains unspecified, it is designed for those who appreciate a thocky sound signature along with a silky, polished feel. Therefore, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience that can enhance your gaming or general typing productivity without drawing too much attention, the Sea Salt Smoothie will serve you well. Ultimately, consider your environment, typing style, and sound preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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