Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Smoothie mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Aliaz switch is a tactile switch designed for quiet environments such as the office, offering a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke for those who enjoy pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch is a linear switch made of POM material, known for its thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and lightweight touch, breaking the price barrier without compromising on quality. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them appealing 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Smoothie switches both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Aliaz utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while the POM housing of the Smoothie offers a unique and pleasing sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz shares similar qualities with its top housing, creating a sharp and clear sound profile. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, adding to the overall sound experience of the switch. The differences in bottom housing materials between the two switches further distinguish their sound characteristics, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Smoothie will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. While the Aliaz offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing, the Smoothie provides a deeper and more muted sound experience with its POM top and bottom housing. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing or gaming experience, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for quality housing materials in their switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is clear that there is a substantial difference in the actuation and bottom out forces between the two. The Aliaz has a heavier 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. In contrast, the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, with the bottom out force being unavailable. The lighter actuation force of the Smoothie may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Aliaz offers a slightly deeper keypress experience compared to the Smoothie. Some users may prefer the longer travel distance of the Aliaz for a more substantial keypress feel, while others may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie for faster response times, especially in gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 tactile switch offers a muted typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound that is ideal for quiet environments such as the office. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch provides a thocky sound signature that is deep, rich, and satisfying when pressed. The low-pitched and subdued nature of the Smoothie switch gives it a bass-heavy and mellow tone, contrasting with the more subtle and dampened sound of the Aliaz. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches emphasize smoothness in their feel, with the Aliaz focusing on a refined and polished finish while the Smoothie prioritizes a fluid and uniform typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles for users to choose from based on their preferences. The Aliaz provides a quiet and substantial typing experience with a muted sound and silky feel, great for those looking for a tactile switch in a quiet environment. On the other hand, the Smoothie presents a thocky sound and buttery, creamy feel that emphasizes smoothness and fluidity during typing. Both switches offer high-quality options for users seeking different tactile and auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a quieter typing experience and enjoy a medium-heavy weight with a substantial feel, then the Aliaz switch would be a great choice, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, then the Smoothie switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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