Gateron Aliaz vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it's essential to note the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Aliaz is renowned for its quiet operation, ideal for office settings, and its medium-heavy weight offers a satisfying keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T boasts a unique combination of thocky sound and sharp tactility, providing both auditory and tactile gratification with every key press. While the Aliaz leans towards a more muted and polished typing experience, the U4T exudes a bassy and thocky profile. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Gazzew U4T both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Gateron Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the Aliaz's top housing offers a more crisp sound, the U4T's top housing provides a deeper and more mellow sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gateron Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate material, which also contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Similarly, the U4T employs its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, providing a rich and deep sound due to its softness. The bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Both the Aliaz and U4T showcase their unique sound qualities through their respective bottom housings, offering users a different tactile experience based on the materials used.
It's important to note that the housing materials chosen for a switch can greatly affect the overall sound profile and feel. While the Aliaz and U4T differ in their housing materials, each material brings its distinct qualities to the switch. The top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. In this case, the Aliaz's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper sound profile, while the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend provides a richer and deeper sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound characteristics and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Gateron Aliaz also has a heavier bottom out force of 75 grams, while the U4T has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making the U4T slightly lighter in this aspect. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Aliaz may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the U4T's lighter bottom out force could be more comfortable for longer typing sessions. Overall, the weight of the switches is an important factor to consider based on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally matched in this aspect. As a result, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out when using either of these switches. The travel distance of both switches allows for a comfortable typing experience while still providing enough feedback to know when a keypress has been registered. Overall, whether you choose the Aliaz or the U4T switch, you can expect a consistent typing experience with a similar 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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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 switch is known for its muted profile, which minimizes noise and creates a softer, quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses that is both satisfying and distinct. This means that the Aliaz switch is ideal for those seeking a more subtle auditory experience, while the U4T switch is suited for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced and tactile sound feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its silky and polished characteristics, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. These switches minimize resistance and provide a sleek key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switch is described as sharp, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with high feedback intensity that is distinctive with each keypress. This makes the Aliaz switch a great option for those who prefer a smooth and polished typing feel, whereas the U4T switch is tailored towards individuals who seek a more intense and pronounced tactile feedback.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it becomes evident that they offer distinct experiences in both sound and feel. The Aliaz switch caters to those who prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, while the U4T switch is ideal for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced and intense auditory and tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, ensuring that users will find satisfaction in their keyboard choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz and Gazzew U4T tactile switches, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard and your preference for typing experience. If you value a quieter typing experience and a substantial feel to each keystroke, the Aliaz switches are a great choice, especially in office settings where noise level is a concern. On the other hand, if you prioritize a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback for auditory and tactile satisfaction, the U4T switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, the Aliaz switches offer a muted and silky typing experience, while the U4T switches provide a thocky and sharp tactile feel. Make your decision based on your personal preferences for sound and feel in order to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
