Gateron Aliaz vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it becomes evident that each has its unique strengths catering to different preferences and needs. The Aliaz switch is renowned for its silent design, making it ideal for quiet environments like the office. With a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke, it offers a pronounced typing feedback without the noise, appealing to those who value a tactile experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is specifically tailored for gamers, featuring light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick and effortless keystrokes. Known for producing a pleasing bassy sound, it provides an advantage in scenarios where speed is of the essence. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko V3 Silver Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material is also ideal for switches with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. However, the Akko V3 Silver Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches.
In terms of sound and feel, the bottom housing of the Aliaz and the Akko V3 Silver Pro will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The Gateron Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing complements its top housing, maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing adds a different dimension to the typing experience, offering a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer nature. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing feel and sound of each switch.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the use of different materials for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound and typing experience. The Gateron Aliaz's consistent polycarbonate bottom housing complements its top housing, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a unique sound profile with deeper tones. Regardless of their differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing material in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Aliaz is heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force while the V3 Silver Pro is lighter. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Both switches allow for similar results in terms of key response and performance, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Aliaz has a longer travel distance compared to the V3 Silver Pro, making it better suited for those who prefer a more substantial key press with more depth. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro offers a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preference for key press depth and speed. Ultimately, whether you opt for the shorter or longer travel distance, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 tactile switch is designed to produce a muted sound, offering a quieter typing experience ideal for office settings. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch provides a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, catering to gamers who enjoy a more audible feedback during intense gameplay. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aliaz switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced resistance for a refined feel. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch provides an easy-to-press sensation, requiring minimal force for activation and promoting a low-impact typing feel. Additionally, it offers a creamy and feathery experience that enhances comfort during extended typing sessions, making it a popular choice for gamers and professionals alike.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch excels in providing a quiet and substantial typing experience with a muted sound profile and smooth, polished feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is tailored for gamers, offering a high-pitched sound and easy-to-press sensation with a creamy and feathery feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. If you enjoy a quieter typing experience with a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Aliaz switch would be the ideal choice. If you prioritize a responsive and effortless typing feel with a more audible feedback, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch would be the better option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you value a quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy weight and pronounced feedback, the Aliaz switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for switches tailored for speed, light actuation force, and a satisfying bassy sound, the V3 Silver Pro switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a silent and substantial typing feel or a light and responsive gaming experience.
Mentioned in this article
