Gateron Aliaz vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) both offer unique features that cater to specific preferences. The Aliaz switches are known for their medium-heavy weight and silent design, making them ideal for quiet environments like the office where a more pronounced typing feedback is preferred without the noise. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switches provide a medium tactile feel with a satisfying level of resistance, offering a precise and comfortable typing experience while remaining quiet. Both switches are categorized with terms like 'Muted' and 'Polished', but the Silent Bluish Whites also include descriptors like 'Buttery' and 'Subtle'. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, the Aliaz differs in its bottom housing material, which is also made of polycarbonate, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) features a nylon bottom housing. This distinction means that the Aliaz will produce a clear and resonant sound throughout the key press, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing properties.
In terms of sound and feel during key presses, the materials used in the bottom housing of switches play a significant role. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing results in a more clear and resonant typing experience, while the Silent Bluish White (V2)'s nylon bottom housing leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference can impact the overall feel and sound of each key press, making the choice between the two switches a matter of personal preference. On the other hand, both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a similar sharp and crisp sound profile when keys are released.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) comes down to the specific sound and feel profile that users prefer in their mechanical keyboards. The Aliaz offers a consistent, clear, and resonant typing experience throughout the key press, thanks to its polycarbonate top and bottom housing. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound during key presses. Both switches excel in creating sharp and crisp sound profiles with their polycarbonate top housings, making them suitable choices for users seeking a tactile and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch reveals significant differences in weight. The Aliaz has a heavier 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. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Aliaz offers a more robust typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a smoother and lighter typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aliaz has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Bluish White (V2), which means it may provide a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which could appeal to those looking for a faster response time. Both switches fall within a reasonable range of travel distances, making them suitable for different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether you prioritize a deeper keypress feel or a quicker response time.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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, both the Gateron Aliaz and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches are described as muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes them both ideal choices for environments where noise can be a concern, such as in an office or shared living space. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced also depends on other factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switches are noted for their silky and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switches are described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, offering a gentle and effortless keystroke with a subtle tactile feedback that is approachable for most users. Both switches offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback intensity.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches excel in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience. The Aliaz switches offer a medium-heavy weight feel with a pronounced keystroke feedback, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) switches provide a medium tactility with a smooth and gentle typing sensation. Depending on your personal preference for typing feel and noise level, you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance and comfort from these two tactile switch options.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you're in need of a switch that provides a substantial feel and more pronounced typing feedback while keeping noise to a minimum, the Aliaz switch with its heavy bottom out force may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a medium tactile feel with an emphasis on quiet operation, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch would be a great fit, especially for office or shared living spaces. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics tailored to different preferences, so make your decision based on your typing style and environment to enhance your overall typing experience.
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