Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Weightlessness present two distinct yet appealing options for typists seeking a tactile experience. The Aliaz switches are engineered for quiet environments, making them ideal for office settings where noise may be a concern. Their medium-heavy weight provides a satisfying keystroke feel, coupled with a silky and muted design that delivers solid typing feedback without the clatter. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches feature a subtle to moderate tactile feel that strikes a balance between a tactile response and a less intrusive sound profile, catering to users who appreciate a nuanced sensory experience without overwhelming vibrations. Both switches offer unique advantages, with the Aliaz excelling in noise-sensitive environments and the Weightlessness appealing to those who prioritize a balanced 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
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Weightlessness switches exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, which greatly contribute to their unique sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Aliaz features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiff plastic allows for clear resonance, making it suitable for users who favor defined auditory feedback while typing. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, particularly for those who utilize RGB lighting in their keyboard setups, as the light can shine through more vibrantly.
In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings, resulting in a markedly different sound character. The nylon material is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing sound and producing a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This quality contributes to a rounder sound profile that is often preferred by users seeking a more muted typing experience. While the nylon constructions might sacrifice some of the crisp clarity expected with polycarbonate, they compensate with a warmth that can make lengthy typing sessions more comfortable and less fatiguing.
Despite these material differences, both switches can achieve satisfying results depending on personal preference. Since each housing material influences the sound profile based on location (with the top housing impacting the release sound and the bottom affecting bottom-out noises), a user who has a preference for a particular auditory experience may choose one over the other. However, those who value a blend of the qualities found in both types might even find ways to mod their keyboards by mixing and matching components, ultimately tailoring the sound and feel to their liking even further.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch with the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch, though its bottom out force remains unknown. This lack of specification in the Weightlessness makes it difficult to directly compare the bottom out experience with the Aliaz. For typists or gamers looking for extended comfort, the Aliaz may feel taxing over long periods due to its heavier forces, while the Weightlessness could allow for prolonged use without fatigue, assuming its bottom out force aligns with its lighter actuation. Overall, users intent on experiencing a firmer keystroke will likely gravitate towards the Aliaz, whereas those who prefer a softer typing feel may lean towards the Weightlessness, albeit with some uncertainty about its bottoming out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, a notable difference emerges: the Aliaz offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness provides a shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Aliaz switch is designed for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke, providing a deeper feeling when pressing down, which may appeal to users who prefer a hearty depth in their typing experience. Conversely, the Weightlessness with its 3.4 mm distance caters to those who favor a quicker response, often preferred by gamers for the faster actuation times it can facilitate. Thus, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the Weightlessness may be the better choice, whereas the Aliaz would suit users who appreciate a longer keystroke.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 distinctly muted, designed to minimize the clack and clamor typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for quiet environments like offices. This softer auditory profile allows for discreet typing sessions, ensuring that productivity isn't disrupted by loud keystrokes. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Weightlessness switches are less defined in the provided details, leaving an unknown factor in their overall acoustic footprint. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by any switch also heavily depends on the keyboard it is installed in and the keycaps used, which can influence how prominent or subdued the sound is.
In terms of tactile feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches shine with a silky and polished sensation. These attributes lend themselves to an exceptionally smooth typing experience, reducing friction and resistance when pressing and releasing keys, which many typists appreciate for both prolonged use and typing accuracy. Conversely, the feel of the Gateron Weightlessness switches remains unspecified in this regard, which leaves a level of uncertainty about their tactile response and overall typing experience. It's possible that their tactile feel is either comparable to or significantly different from the Aliaz, but without specific descriptors, we can only speculate.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switches present a well-rounded option for those seeking a quiet typing experience with pronounced tactile feedback and a silky, polished feel, making them particularly adept for office use. While the Weightlessness switches lack defined qualities in sound and feel based on the provided information, it is plausible that they may offer a different tactile experience. Ultimately, typists may want to try both switches in various settings to determine which aligns best with their preferences, especially since external factors like keyboard design and keycap choice can greatly influence the overall outcome.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you often find yourself in quiet spaces, such as an office, and value a more pronounced tactile feedback without the noise, the Aliaz is an excellent choice due to its silent operation and heavier actuation force of 75 grams. This switch offers a silky and polished feel, ensuring that each keystroke feels substantial and satisfying while maintaining a muted sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced approach to tactile feedback and sound and don’t mind a lighter touch, then the Gateron Weightlessness may suit you better. Although its specific bottom-out force isn't provided, the lightweight nature of this switch allows for easier typing and a more subtle tactile response. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only the environment you'll be using the keyboard in but also your typing style and the kind of feedback you find most enjoyable.
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