Gateron Aliaz vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular tactile options are the Gateron Aliaz and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, each catering to different preferences and environments. The Gateron Aliaz switch is specifically designed for quiet settings such as offices, featuring a silent design that allows for discreet typing. With a medium-heavy weight, it provides a satisfying, substantial feedback on each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile experience without the accompanying noise. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches are characterized by their unique sound profile, offering a deep "thock" when bottoming out and the quiet stealth of U4 topping out, which creates a luxurious and refined typing experience. They deliver a playful tactile bump that many enthusiasts find irresistible. While the Aliaz excels in muted environments, the U4Tx brings a blend of sound and tactile feedback for those who enjoy a more expressive 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, which directly influences the acoustic experience each switch offers. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material allows for higher-pitched tones, making each keystroke resonate more clearly. The translucency of the polycarbonate also complements RGB lighting, enhancing the visual presentation while maintaining sound clarity. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary blend of plastic often referred to as "boba plastic," known for its softer consistency. This softness results in a richer and deeper sound profile, giving the user a different auditory experience compared to the more piercing notes produced by the Aliaz.
Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their bottom housings, which possesses similar sound characteristics to those of the top housing in the Aliaz. This contributes to a higher-pitched sound when the switch is bottomed out. However, with the U4Tx RGB's proprietary material in the bottom housing, users experience a softer sound profile, creating a contrast when combined with the softer top housing. Thus, when users press down on the keys, the impact and feel will largely correspond to the nature of the bottom housing. The Aliaz’s rigid polycarbonate offers a sharper sound, while the U4Tx’s bottom housing produces a more muted thump.
In terms of performance, the combination of housing materials in each switch leads to different auditory experiences when pressing and releasing a key. While the Aliaz's polycarbonate lends itself to clarity and sharpness throughout the keystroke, the U4Tx RGB provides a more nuanced soundscape with its blend of materials. Both switches, in their unique way, appeal to users seeking specific auditory feedback from their mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, understanding these differences allows consumers to make informed choices based on their preferences for sound and feel, as well as the aesthetic considerations of RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, paired with a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB does not have a specified actuation force, but its bottom out force is lighter at 65 grams, indicating that it provides a comparatively softer feel when pressed down completely. This makes the U4Tx RGB more appealing for those who favor lighter switches, which can enhance comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. Thus, while the Aliaz offers a heavier feel that some may enjoy for its tactile feedback, the U4Tx RGB's undefined actuation force and lower bottom out force cater to users looking for a balance between a lighter touch and a solid typing experience. Overall, users must consider their personal preferences when choosing between these two switches to suit their typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Aliaz measuring 4 mm and the U4Tx RGB measuring 3.6 mm. This makes the Aliaz the longer travel option, providing a more pronounced depth when pressed. This may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial key feel, whereas the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the U4Tx RGB allows for quicker actuation, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive experience that doesn't feel as hefty, the U4Tx RGB would be the better choice; however, if you value a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Aliaz would suit you well. Overall, while one switch offers a more traditional and deeper travel distance, the other caters to a faster, more immediate tactile feedback.
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 U4Tx RGB 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz switches are specifically designed for quieter settings, making them an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces. They produce a muted sound profile, which minimizes the typical mechanical noise, allowing for a more discreet typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches are known for their deep "thock" sound when bottoming out and the quiet nature of their topping out, thus providing a refined auditory experience. While both switches cater to those who prefer a less noisy option, the Aliaz focuses on a softer sound, while the U4Tx RGB offers a more resonant quality, albeit still on the quieter side.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches deliver a silky and polished experience, characterized by exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance during keypresses. This makes them particularly comfortable for extended typing sessions, as the refined finish reduces friction and enhances overall responsiveness. The U4Tx RGB’s specific tactile characteristics are currently unknown, but they are reputed to feature a sharp tactile bump that contributes to a luxurious typing experience. This suggests that some users may find the U4Tx to have a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the ultra-smooth feel of the Aliaz, which could influence user preference based on whether they lean towards a velvety or a slightly more tactile experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches have distinct qualities appealing to different typing preferences. While the Aliaz excels in providing a muted sound and a silky, polished feel for a quieter environment, the U4Tx RGB offers a unique sound profile combined with tactile feedback that is often described as luxurious. Depending on what aspects of typing experience one prioritizes—be it sound or feel—both switches can deliver satisfying results, whether you are seeking smoothness, silence, or tactile responsiveness.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you primarily work in quiet environments, such as a shared office, and desire a heavier, muted switch that provides a substantial and silky typing experience, the Aliaz is an ideal choice. Its silent design allows you to type without disturbing those around you while still offering a nice tactile feedback thanks to its medium-heavy weight. Conversely, if you’re looking for a balanced tactile experience with a luxurious feel and a sound profile that combines quiet top-out and a pronounced "thock" on bottom-out, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB would be more suitable. With its lighter actuation force, it can enhance your typing experience by delivering sharp tactile feedback and an aesthetically pleasing sound, perfect for both gaming and creative tasks. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize silence and heaviness or a more dynamic interaction with a pleasing auditory experience.
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