Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find that they each offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Aliaz switch is ideal for those seeking a tactile typing experience in a quiet environment, such as an office setting. With a medium-heavy weight, this switch provides a satisfying keystroke feel without the noise, making it a great option for those who value a pronounced typing feedback. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch stands out for its linear design, offering a lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound, smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While both switches have their own strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Silver both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Aliaz utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when compared to the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. The difference in sound profiles can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate for the Aliaz and the unique acoustics of POM for the Smoothie Silver. However, both switches are designed to offer a satisfying typing experience with their top housing materials influencing the sound when pressed down.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Smoothie Silver also showcase distinct characteristics. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing that contributes to a sharp and clear sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. The bottom housing material of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, with the stiffness of polycarbonate and acoustics of POM impacting the overall typing experience. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches are designed to provide tactile feedback and a pleasant typing experience for users.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Smoothie Silver differ, both switches aim to offer a satisfying typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the Aliaz creates a crisp and resonant sound, while the POM material in the Smoothie Silver produces a more subdued and deep sound. Whether it's the sharpness of the Aliaz or the depth of the Smoothie Silver, both switches are designed to cater to the preferences of users looking for a tactile and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, while the housing materials may vary, both switches are crafted with the goal of enhancing the overall typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Aliaz is the heavier option. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it more demanding in terms of force required for both triggering a keystroke and bottoming out. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Smoothie Silver due to its lower actuation force, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel and don't mind the heavier force requirement, the Gateron Aliaz may be the better choice. Overall, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it on the longer side in comparison to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. When comparing these two switches, the Aliaz offers a slightly longer key travel distance which can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback, while the Smoothie Silver offers a shorter travel distance for those who prefer a faster response time. Gamers looking for quick key presses may lean towards the Smoothie Silver, while those seeking a more substantial key press may prefer the Aliaz. Ultimately, both switches offer different travel distances to suit individual preferences, allowing users to get similar results based on their personal preferences.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 provides a muted typing experience, perfect for quiet environments like the office. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound, creating a unique auditory experience. Depending on your personal preference, the Aliaz will give you a softer and quieter sound, while the Smoothie Silver will provide a distinct and notable typing noise.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, ensuring smooth key presses and releases with minimal resistance. This makes typing with the Aliaz switches a refined and comfortable process. On the other hand, information regarding the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is unknown. However, it can be inferred that with its all-POM construction and feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver switch would likely provide a unique and smooth typing experience similar to the Aliaz.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is best suited for individuals looking for a medium-heavy switch with a quiet and refined typing experience. It provides a substantial feel with its silky and polished characteristics, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound and feather-light touch, making it a unique option for those seeking a different typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities, so choosing between the two will ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you value a quiet typing experience and prefer a medium-heavy keystroke with a pronounced feedback, the Aliaz switches are a great choice, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver switches are the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the atmosphere in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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