Gateron Aliaz vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Gateron Aliaz and the Jerrzi Violet. The Aliaz switch is tailored for quiet environments such as the office, with its silent design and medium-heavy weight providing a satisfyingly substantial feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch is known for its gentle tactile feedback, smooth actuation, and pleasing poppy tactility, making it a great choice for those seeking a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. While both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Aliaz and the Jerrzi Violet switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound output, making it an ideal material for top housings, especially for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Jerrzi Violet switch also utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, indicating that users can expect a similar sound profile from both switches when it comes to key presses and releases.
In terms of bottom housings, the Gateron Aliaz uses a polycarbonate material that complements the top housing by enhancing the sound profile with its stiffness. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key.
Despite the difference in bottom housing materials between the Gateron Aliaz and the Jerrzi Violet switches, both switches offer unique sound profiles that result from the combination of their top and bottom housing materials. The split between the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings allows users to experience a well-rounded sound experience with distinct characteristics during key presses and releases. Whether opting for the Aliaz with both polycarbonate housings or the Jerrzi Violet with a combination of polycarbonate and nylon, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with nuanced sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is evident that the Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Violet's lighter 45 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Aliaz is 75 grams, while the Violet's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Aliaz requires more force to initiate a keystroke and also to fully press the key down compared to the Violet. The difference in weight between the two switches may appeal to different preferences: those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Violet for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Aliaz for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Aliaz offers a heavier feel while the Violet provides a lighter touch, catering to a variety of typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aliaz being slightly longer. In terms of preference, gamers may lean towards the Jerrzi Violet for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Gateron Aliaz. Ultimately, both switches offer a decent travel distance that will provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Aliaz offering a slightly more profound keypress compared to the Violet.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 switch is known for its muted sound profile, perfect for quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a neutral sound that is pleasant and balanced. While the Aliaz switch provides a quieter typing experience, the Violet switch offers a more moderate sound suitable for various settings. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, with smooth key presses and reduced friction. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch provides a stepped tactile feel, with a gentle bump and two distinct stages in the keystroke. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, but the Aliaz switch focuses on smoothness and refinement, while the Violet switch emphasizes a subtle tactile sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz and Jerrzi Violet switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Those who prioritize a quiet typing environment and a medium-heavy tactile feedback may prefer the Aliaz switch, while individuals looking for a more balanced and gently tactile typing experience might opt for the Violet switch. With both switches offering unique characteristics, users can expect a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch that provides a substantial and pronounced typing feedback while maintaining a quiet environment, the Gateron Aliaz switch would be the ideal choice for you. The medium-heavy weight and muted sound profile of the Aliaz make it perfect for office settings or for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile switch with a smooth actuation and balanced typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet switch would suit you best. The poppy tactility and neutral sound signature of the Violet make it a versatile option suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a more pronounced tactile response and quiet operation (Aliaz) or a smoother actuation and balanced typing experience (Violet).
Mentioned in this article
