Gateron Aliaz vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the TTC Speed Silver, a linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Aliaz is known for its quiet design, making it ideal for office environments where noise may be a concern. With a medium-heavy weight, it provides a satisfyingly substantial feel to each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing feedback. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is favored for its fast and precise typing experience, perfect for those who value efficiency. With a light-medium level of resistance and a reduced travel distance, these switches enable quick and effortless actuation. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The Gateron Aliaz and TTC Speed Silver switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch has a 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.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches feature clear housings, making it more likely that they are made of polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects to shine through for both the Aliaz and Speed Silver switches. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Speed Silver provides a different sound quality compared to the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing. This shows that the material used in the housing of a switch can greatly impact both the sound and appearance of the switch.
While both the Gateron Aliaz and TTC Speed Silver switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the choice of material for the bottom housing differs. The split between the two housing materials allows for unique sound profiles for each switch. Pressing down on the TTC Speed Silver switch will provide a different sound and feel than pressing down on the Gateron Aliaz switch due to the difference in bottom housing material. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials plays a significant role in the overall typing experience and sound quality of these mechanical switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch showcase distinct differences. 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 for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a more suitable choice for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is desired. In terms of weight, the Aliaz is heavier, while the Speed Silver is medium-light. Both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences, with the Aliaz delivering a heavier feel and the Speed Silver providing a lighter touch for smoother typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter. The Aliaz's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation feel, while the Speed Silver's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, so choosing between them will come down to individual preferences and typing habits.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switch is known for its muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments like the office. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings and users. In terms of feel, both switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The Aliaz switch is further characterized as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel, while the Speed Silver switch has a mild typing experience, appealing to a wider range of users. Overall, while the Aliaz switch is tailored for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, the Speed Silver switch is perfect for those who value a fast and precise typing experience. However, both switches offer a polished feel, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, consider the environment where you will be using your keyboard and your personal typing preferences. If you value a quiet typing experience and prefer a medium-heavy weight with a substantial feel, the Aliaz switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and precision with a light-medium resistance and reduced travel distance, the Speed Silver switch is the better choice. Both switches offer unique sound profiles and polished finishes for smooth typing experiences, so it ultimately comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a keyboard switch.
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