Gateron Aliaz vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the SP-Star Yanyu stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Aliaz switch offers a tactile typing experience ideal for quiet environments such as offices, thanks to its silent design. With a medium-heavy weight, each keystroke provides a substantial feel, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced typing feedback without any distracting noise. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is a linear option that caters to those seeking a delicate typing experience, especially during extended typing sessions. Its material blend contributes to a crisp sound profile, offering a different typing sensation compared to the Aliaz switch. While the Aliaz is characterized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Yanyu is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. 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
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the SP-Star Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which offers a sound profile that is a bit brighter and less sharp. The Aliaz's polycarbonate top housing is known for its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile, while the Yanyu's blend provides a unique and pleasant sound experience that is not as sharp. Despite these differences, both top housings are visually appealing, with polycarbonate being translucent and ideal for RGB lighting, while the Yanyu's blend offers a more traditional look.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gateron Aliaz and the SP-Star Yanyu utilize unique materials that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing, creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing offers a more pleasant and brighter sound experience. The bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, showcasing the importance of the unique materials used in each switch.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Gateron Aliaz and the SP-Star Yanyu switches results in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. While the Aliaz's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and clearer sound, the Yanyu's unique blend offers a more pleasant and brighter sound profile. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a differentiated tactile feel based on where the pressure is applied on the switch, showcasing the attention to detail and diversity in materials used by both manufacturers to create distinct typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is clear that the Aliaz is heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Yanyu. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a heavier typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu has an unknown actuation force, but a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Yanyu a lighter option, more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming where a lighter touch is preferred. Both switches may offer a different typing experience due to the variance in force required, but overall, the choice between them will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier feel while typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that users can expect a consistent feel in terms of key travel whether they are using the Aliaz or the Yanyu switch. However, it is important to note that despite having the same travel distance, the Aliaz provides a tactile bump while the Yanyu offers a linear experience. This difference in feel is something that users may consider when choosing between the two switches. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable travel distance that is suited for typing and gaming purposes.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 offers a muted sound profile that is softer and quieter than regular mechanical switches, making it suitable for quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch provides a neutral sound with a thocky quality, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Aliaz being quieter and the Yanyu having a more pronounced sound quality.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu switch provides a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience with light actuation force and reduced strain on the fingers. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Aliaz providing a more substantial feel and the Yanyu offering a lighter touch for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz is tailored for quiet environments with a medium-heavy weight and a quiet sound profile, providing a substantial and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu is ideal for delicate typing with a material blend that produces a crisp and thocky sound profile, offering a gentle and light typing feel. Depending on personal preference and typing needs, both switches provide unique benefits that cater to different typing styles and environments. Ultimately, while the sound and feel of the switches differ, users can expect satisfying results from both switches based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you work in a quiet office setting and value a substantial typing feedback with a muted sound, the Aliaz switch with its heavier bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as gaming or long typing sessions, and appreciate a crisp and thocky sound profile, the Yanyu switch with its lighter bottom out force may suit your needs better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound, as both switches offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences.
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