Gateron Aliaz vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the SP-Star Duck both offer unique qualities for different preferences. The Aliaz, a tactile switch, is ideal for quiet environments such as the office, providing a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Duck switch also offers a tactile typing experience but with a more subtle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile. While the Aliaz may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without noise, the Duck switch is perfect for a gentler typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the SP-Star Duck, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housing components. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate lends itself to a clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with a clear housing intended for RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound characteristics, both the Aliaz and Duck switches offer similar qualities due to their shared use of polycarbonate in their housing materials.
The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of the Aliaz and Duck switches highlights their commitment to providing a consistent sound profile and tactile experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate ensures that both switches deliver a clear and resonant sound when key presses are made. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. With identical housing materials in both the Aliaz and Duck switches, users can expect to receive comparable results in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
Although the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the SP-Star Duck switches are the same, their impact on the overall typing experience may vary. The qualities of polycarbonate housed in the bottom housing of a switch are more likely to affect the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the characteristics of the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Despite these slight differences in impact, the shared use of polycarbonate ensures that both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound profile and visual appeal, making them a popular choice for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a clear and resonant typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch differ in weight. The Gateron Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck has a lighter bottom out force of 58 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions. The actuation force of the Duck is unknown, but it is likely to be lighter due to its lower bottom out force. For those who prefer a heavier push feel, the Gateron Aliaz would be the better choice, while the SP-Star Duck would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz and SP-Star Duck tactile switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance from the top to the bottom. This uniformity ensures a similar feel and experience when typing or gaming with either switch. In terms of travel distance, both the Gateron Aliaz and SP-Star Duck tactile switches offer a standard 4 mm distance, providing users with a familiar and reliable keypress experience.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 is best described as muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. Depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches can provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Aliaz being quieter and the Duck having a moderate sound level.
Moving on to feel, the Aliaz tactile switch is often described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing sensation. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience, with a smooth and effortless keystroke feel. Both switches fall within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback, with the Aliaz focusing on a more substantial typing feedback and the Duck offering a gentler tactility.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is a great choice for those seeking a quiet and substantial typing experience with a smooth and refined feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is ideal for users looking for a more subtle tactile feedback with a clean and crispy sound profile. Both switches offer quality characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will get a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the environment you will be using the keyboard in and your preference for typing feedback. If you are working in a quiet office setting and prefer a more substantial feel with pronounced typing feedback, the Aliaz switch with its heavier bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch with its lighter bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
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