Gateron Aliaz vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz switch is ideal for quiet environments such as the office, thanks to its silent design and medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, achieved through the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Aliaz switch offers a more muted and polished typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, satisfying those who enjoy a more resonant feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, it is clear that they both offer unique characteristics. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing, offering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials provide distinctive sound profiles, the Aliaz's polycarbonate is known for its clear and resonant sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's blend offers a more unique and custom sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gateron Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate to create a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. This material is especially useful for creating a clear and resonant sound with translucency for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches utilize a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. The POK material contributes to creating a smooth, clacky, and durable switch, providing a different tactile experience compared to the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Overall, while the Gateron Aliaz and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both excel in creating unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Aliaz's polycarbonate housing materials focus on creating a clear and crisp sound ideal for RGB lighting, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary blend and POK materials prioritize smoothness, durability, and shock resistance for a different typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer quality housing materials to cater to different user needs.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch 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. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a more suitable option for extended typing sessions or gaming. Despite their differences in weight, both switches offer a smooth and responsive typing experience, ensuring similar results in terms of performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Aliaz switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can have an impact on the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch for faster response times, while those looking for a more traditional and deeper key press may opt for the Aliaz switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 tactile switch offers a muted typing experience, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices where noise levels are a concern. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, adding a unique auditory dimension to your typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Aliaz focusing on a softer and quieter typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a sharper and more resonant sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction for a refined feel. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness in typing, with the Aliaz emphasizing smoothness and minimal resistance, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a seamless and uniform typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Aliaz excels in providing a quiet and substantial typing feedback with its muted sound and silky typing experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound signature, along with a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a quiet typing environment with a medium-heavy weight feel (Aliaz) or a more audibly distinctive typing experience with a smoother and fluid feel (Vanilla Ice Cream).
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a heavier bottom out force and a more pronounced typing feedback in a quiet environment like the office, the Gateron Aliaz switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch would be the way to go. Consider your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and environment when deciding between these two switches, as each offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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