Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Type S, a linear switch. The Aliaz switches are ideal for quiet environments such as the office, offering a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. These switches are perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced typing feedback without the noise, making them smooth, quiet, polished.
On the other hand, the Gateron Type S, part of Sillyworks' Project Rehash, offers a different experience with its 65g bottom-out weight and contemporary factory lubing techniques. This switch caters to individuals who prefer a weightier keystroke with a neutral yet deeper acoustic experience, categorized as neutral, subdued. Both switches have their unique advantages, but it's essential to delve deeper into the characteristics of each to determine the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Type S, we see a clear difference in their composition. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Type S incorporates a nylon top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in material properties leads to a distinct typing experience for each switch, with the Aliaz offering a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Type S provides a rounder and duller sound.
Despite the difference in housing materials, both the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Type S share a common goal of enhancing the typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aliaz creates a sharper sound profile, ideal for users who prefer a more distinctive typing sound. Similarly, the nylon top housing of the Type S offers a deeper sound profile, catering to those who enjoy a fuller typing experience. While their material choices differ, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing feel by optimizing the sound output based on the unique properties of polycarbonate and nylon.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Type S play a significant role in the visual appeal of the switches. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the Aliaz is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, adding a touch of customization to the keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Type S's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of translucency for RGB effects but provides a classic look that appeals to users who prioritize a clean and simple design. Despite their differences in appearance, both switches offer a variety of options for users to choose from based on their personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Type S linear switch. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Type S has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Aliaz offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Type S provides a slightly lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where lighter actuation forces are preferred. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, allowing users to choose based on their preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This is advantageous for users who prefer a consistent feel across different switches. The similar travel distance allows for a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch is being used. In terms of comparing and contrasting, it can be noted that both switches offer the same travel distance, making them equally suitable for users who prioritize this feature. Whether you choose the Aliaz tactile switch or the Type S linear switch, you can expect a consistent and comfortable typing experience with a 4 mm travel distance.
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 S 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is known for its muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for quiet environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile with a subdued quality, striking a balance between a moderate sound and a deeper acoustic experience. Both switches aim to provide a quieter typing experience, with the Aliaz being more muted and the Type S offering a more neutral yet subdued sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is appreciated for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth and refined keypresses with reduced friction for a comfortable typing feel. The Gateron Type S linear switch, although lacking specific descriptors for feel in the provided information, is designed to provide a weightier keystroke with a 65g bottom-out force, catering to those who prefer a heavier typing experience. While the Aliaz focuses on smoothness and polished key travel, the Type S offers a weightier feel for those seeking a more substantial typing feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz is known for its quieter and medium-heavy typing feel, with a focus on providing a muted sound and a smooth, polished keypress. On the other hand, the Type S provides a weightier keystroke with a neutral sound signature, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy feel (Aliaz) or a weightier keystroke with a balanced sound profile (Type S). Either way, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from both Gateron switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you require a quiet typing experience, especially in an office setting, the Aliaz switch with its heavier bottom-out force and muted sound profile may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a weightier keystroke with a more neutral and subdued sound, the Type S switch with its medium-heavy bottom-out force offers a different typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for both feel and sound.
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