Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Type A, a linear switch. The Aliaz switches are tailored for quiet environments like the office, providing a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke while maintaining a silent design. On the other hand, the Type A from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" offers a unique take on travel distances and factory lubing techniques, appealing to those seeking a medium-weight switch with a sound signature leaning towards the deeper side of the spectrum. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Type A feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. However, the Aliaz's polycarbonate top housing is especially useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Type A's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In this aspect, the Aliaz may be preferred for those looking for a brighter sound, while the Type A is better suited for those who prefer a deeper, fuller sound.
Similarly, both switches also have polycarbonate bottom housings in the Gateron Aliaz and nylon bottom housings in the Gateron Type A. Again, the polycarbonate material in the Aliaz creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the nylon in the Type A results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This highlights the importance of housing material in determining the overall sound profile and feel of a switch.
In terms of functionality, the differences between the top and bottom housing materials of the Aliaz and Type A switches affect how the sound profile is perceived when typing or releasing a key. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Type A will depend on whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound profile with nylon in both the top and bottom housings.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Gateron Type A linear switch with a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. Similarly, the Aliaz also has a heavier bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Type A has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Aliaz switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke and press all the way down compared to the Type A switch. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Aliaz may be the better choice, while those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Type A switch. Both switches offer different experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel before the key actuates. Despite having the same travel distance, the Aliaz provides a tactile feedback when actuated, while the Type A has a linear feel. This difference in feel between the two switches is important to consider when choosing which one to use for your keyboard. Overall, both switches offer a consistent travel distance, but the tactile feedback of the Aliaz may be preferred by some users over the linear feel of the Type A.
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 Type A comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
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
Overall, when comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, the Aliaz excels in providing a quiet and substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy weight and muted sound profile. The Aliaz offers a silky and polished feel, enhancing the smoothness of typing and reducing friction for a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Type A is known for its deep sound signature and neutral actuation force, making it a versatile choice for various typing environments. While the sound of the Type A leans towards the subdued side, it still offers a moderate sound profile suitable for most users. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these two switches, as the Aliaz provides a more tactile and quiet typing experience, while the Type A offers a deeper sound with a neutral feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users will get satisfying results depending on their individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, you should consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you work in a quiet office setting and prefer a heavier key press with a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Aliaz switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-weight switch with a deeper sound profile that offers a smooth typing experience, the Type A switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a silent and substantial typing experience with the Aliaz or a balanced sound profile and smooth key travel with the Type A.
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