Gateron Aliaz vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Silent Brown both stand out as excellent options for tactile feedback enthusiasts. The Aliaz switches are specifically tailored for quiet environments like the office, offering a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke, making them ideal for those who seek pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, all while maintaining a muted sound profile. Both switches are categorized as ['Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished'] and ['Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Polished'] respectively, highlighting their smooth and polished feel. 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
45g
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
3.80 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
Both the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Silent Brown switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows the light to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic. On the other hand, the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a similar sound profile to the top housing, while the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
While both switches share polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile and feel. The Aliaz's use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing creates a consistent, sharp sound profile throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Brown's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing results in a mix of sharp and dull sound profiles during typing. This difference highlights how housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of a switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Silent Brown switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While both switches offer a similar sharp and crisp sound profile due to their polycarbonate top housings, the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound that may appeal to those looking for a slightly quieter typing experience. Overall, the housing materials of these switches play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of each keystroke, making them suitable options for users with different preferences in switch characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Aliaz is the heavier option with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams. In contrast, the Silent Brown is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Aliaz offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, which some users may prefer for a more pronounced feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Brown provides a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Both switches offer a tactile bump, but the difference in actuation and bottom out forces cater to individual preferences for typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for either a heavier or lighter actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Gateron Aliaz has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the TTC Silent Brown. The difference may be minimal, but it can affect the overall feel and feedback of the switch when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their keystrokes may lean towards the Gateron Aliaz, while individuals looking for a slightly quicker response time may opt for the TTC Silent Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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, both the Gateron Aliaz and TTC Silent Brown switches offer a muted typing experience, perfect for those looking for a quieter option in a mechanical keyboard switch. The sound produced by these switches is softer and less intrusive compared to traditional mechanical switches, making them ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches are known for their silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth and refined key presses with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches provide a buttery and mild typing feel, ensuring a comfortable and gentle keystroke experience. Both switches aim to provide users with a pleasant typing sensation, whether they prefer a smoother or a slightly more tactile feel.
Overall, both the Gateron Aliaz and TTC Silent Brown switches are excellent options for those seeking a quiet and comfortable typing experience. While the Aliaz switches offer a medium-heavy weight and a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Silent Brown switches provide a light-medium level of resistance with a satisfying tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and sound, but either option will deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a heavier keystroke with a more pronounced tactile feedback in a quiet environment such as an office, you may prefer the Gateron Aliaz tactile switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter-medium resistance with a rounded tactile bump for a comfortable typing experience with a muted sound profile, then the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for key feel, typing experience, and noise level in your specific environment. Both switches offer unique qualities, so consider these factors carefully before making your selection.
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