Gateron Aliaz vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Yunhai offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and environments. The Aliaz, recognized for its silent design, is ideal for quiet settings like offices, providing a medium-heavy weight that delivers gratifying feedback with each keystroke. This tactile switch is perfect for those who appreciate a more pronounced feel without the accompanying noise, making it a polished and muted choice for focused work. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai presents a contrasting experience with its linear switch design, characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force. This makes the Yunhai suitable for typists who favor a gentle, effortless keypress, allowing for a smooth and fluid typing experience. Both switches have their unique offerings—whether it’s the tactile feedback and quiet operation of the Aliaz or the lightness and distinctive sound of the Yunhai. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the TTC Yunhai switches, it is evident that they employ distinctly different materials which significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate’s stiffer structure, which lends itself to a more resonant auditory experience. In contrast, the Yunhai features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, characterized by its softer nature that generates a deeper and fuller sound. While both switches can deliver satisfying auditory feedback, their sound profiles depart significantly—leading enthusiasts to favor one over the other based on their auditory preferences.
The impact of the different housing materials doesn't just stop at the sound; it also touches on the overall feel of the switches. With the Aliaz's polycarbonate housing, users experience a pronounced clarity and responsiveness, particularly in the top housing which accentuates the sound upon key release. This clarity can be especially enhanced when RGB lighting shines through the translucent polycarbonate, further complimenting the typing experience. On the other hand, the Yunhai’s nylon housing fosters a more muted sound that some may find more soothing or preferable for prolonged typing sessions. The properties of nylon allow it to absorb sound, creating a soundscape that’s often described as rounder and less intrusive compared to the Aliaz.
Lastly, the differences in housing materials of the two switches mean that their acoustic experiences differ in pronounced ways, but they also share the overarching theme of balance between top and bottom housings. Despite the contrast, both switches are engineered to deliver an engaging gaming and typing experience. If either switch were to receive a similar housing material across both top and bottom, the resulting sound profile would also be more consistent, reflecting the shared characteristics of the chosen material. Thus, while the Aliaz and Yunhai offer distinct experiences due to their respective materials, both serve to underscore the diverse range of tactile and auditory experiences available to enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite pronounced. The Aliaz features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, resulting in a heavier typing experience. In contrast, the Yunhai offers a significantly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that typists and gamers looking for a lighter option will find the Yunhai more comfortable for extended use, as it requires less effort to press each key. Meanwhile, those who prefer a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Aliaz, appreciating the more substantial resistance it provides. Thus, while both switches serve their respective audiences well, the Aliaz is better suited for users who appreciate a heavier feel, whereas the Yunhai caters to those who favor a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Aliaz measuring 4 mm and the Yunhai at 3.6 mm. This makes the Aliaz the longer option, providing a more pronounced feedback that some users may find preferable for a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Yunhai aligns with the modern trend that appeals to gamers who prioritize quick response times for their fast-paced actions. While both switches serve different preferences—those seeking deeper travel with the Aliaz versus those favoring the responsiveness of the Yunhai—users opting for the Aliaz may enjoy a more substantial feel, while those who choose the Yunhai might appreciate its quicker actuation. Overall, if you're after a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Aliaz is the better choice, whereas the Yunhai is ideal for those who favor a more immediate response.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 noted for their muted profile, making them ideal for quieter environments like offices. They produce a softer sound compared to typical mechanical switches, effectively minimizing the rattle and clack that can be distracting in shared spaces. In contrast, while the TTC Yunhai switches are not explicitly described, they are known for a unique typing experience that might suggest a different auditory characteristic. However, it is important to note that sound quality can also be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap choice.
Regarding the feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches provide a silky and polished typing experience. This means users can expect an exceptionally smooth travel with minimal resistance, significantly enhancing comfort during long typing sessions. The combination of their medium-heavy weight and refined finish allows for a satisfying tactile feedback that can make typing feel both effortless and controlled. The TTC Yunhai switches, characterized by their very light actuation force, offer a more gentle and effortless feel, catering to those who prefer a less tactile but still responsive experience. While the overall sensations differ, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique constructions.
In summary, both the Gateron Aliaz and TTC Yunhai switches cater to distinct preferences among users. The Aliaz excels in creating a quieter environment with a notable tactile feedback and a smooth typing experience, making them perfect for professional settings. In contrast, the Yunhai offers a very light feel that caters to typists seeking a more effortless typing experience. While they each excel in different areas, selecting between them essentially comes down to individual preferences for sound and feel; however, in a similar setup, you can expect to achieve comparable satisfaction with either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch should reflect your personal preferences and typing environment. If you find yourself in a quiet workspace or you simply value a more muted keystroke, the Aliaz is an excellent option due to its silent design and heavier actuation force. Its tactile feedback can enhance your typing experience, offering a satisfying feel without causing distractions to those around you. The silky and polished nature of the Aliaz further ensures a smooth typing experience, which can be a significant advantage for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, if you’re a typist who enjoys a lighter touch with swift keystrokes and a distinct sound profile, the Yunhai linear switch is likely the better choice. With its lower actuation force, you'll find it effortless to type, allowing for faster typing speeds and less finger fatigue, making it ideal for rapid typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences: choose the Aliaz for its tactile feedback and quiet operation, and opt for the Yunhai for its gentle feel and sound experience.
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