Gateron Aliaz vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, to the TTC Venus, a linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz is known for its quiet design, making it an ideal choice for office settings where noise may be a concern. With a medium-heavy weight and pronounced tactile feedback, it provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its innovative internal structure that offers a seamless and frictionless glide, accompanied by a distinct "Q-texture" sensation. This switch boasts very light actuation for rapid typing and a muted sound signature for a more subdued auditory 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
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Venus, it is evident that they both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This choice creates a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile in both switches. The aesthetic appeal of having a clear housing for RGB lighting is also common between the two switches. However, the Venus sets itself apart with its POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Aliaz's polycarbonate top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Aliaz and Venus utilize polycarbonate in this component as well. This results in a consistent sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile in both switches. Similar to the top housing, the use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing allows for a clear and resonant sound profile. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing material, which in this case, remains the same for both the Aliaz and Venus.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Gateron Aliaz and TTC Venus switches plays a pivotal role in the sound profile and feel of the switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their housing components, the Venus stands out with its POM top housing, which produces a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted compared to the Aliaz. However, the similarities between the two switches lie in the consistent sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile created by the polycarbonate bottom housing in both. The impact of the housing materials on the overall switch experience showcases the importance of material selection in customizing keyboard switches.
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 TTC Venus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a better choice for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, so it ultimately depends on personal preference whether one prefers a heavier or lighter switch. Overall, the Aliaz is heavier while the Venus is lighter, catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the Aliaz offers a slightly longer press down distance compared to the Venus. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Venus switch, while those seeking a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Aliaz. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 producing a muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch is characterized by a low-pitched, subdued sound profile that adds a unique auditory element to each keystroke. Both switches share a muted quality, ensuring a quieter typing experience suitable for various environments. The choice between the two would depend on the specific preference for sound tone - whether one prefers a more bass-heavy, low-pitched sound or a softer, muted typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz switch is renowned for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction for a refined feel. Conversely, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery, frictionless typing sensation that is effortless and uniform with a gummy bottom-out feel. Both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, with the Aliaz focusing on a polished and refined feel, while the Venus emphasizes a buttery and frictionless keystroke. Depending on personal preference for typing sensation, one may lean towards the polished smoothness of the Aliaz or the buttery uniformity of the Venus.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz provides a medium-heavy weight and a quiet typing experience with a substantial feel, ideal for those seeking pronounced feedback without noise. On the other hand, the Venus boasts a light actuation force, a unique matte sensation, and a low-pitched, subdued sound signature that adds a captivating element to each keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound tone and typing feel, with both switches delivering high-quality, distinct experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a medium-heavy weight and a pronounced typing feedback without the noise, the Gateron Aliaz switch would be a great choice, especially for quiet environments like the office. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a light actuation force for rapid and effortless typing, along with a unique matte sensation for smooth and engaging keystrokes, the TTC Venus switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch will depend on your preference for typing experience and environment, whether you prioritize a heavier tactile feel or a lighter linear feel.
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