Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Ink Red offer distinctive typing experiences for users with varying preferences. The Aliaz switch is ideal for quiet environments like the office, providing a medium-heavy weight and pronounced tactile feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch features a lower actuation force, making it perfect for those with a lighter typing style, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with a crispy sound profile. While the Aliaz switch caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feel to their keystrokes, the Ink Red switch is favored by users seeking a smoother and lighter 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
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Ink Red switches both offer unique sound profiles due to their different materials. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. In comparison, the Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials provide distinct sound profiles, the Aliaz's polycarbonate top housing may result in a slightly sharper sound compared to the Ink Red's INK blend top housing.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches offer similar qualities due to their use of polycarbonate and the proprietary INK blend, respectively. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz contributes to the switch's sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and clear resonant sound. Similarly, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red creates a pointed and high-pitched sound that is satisfyingly clacky. This means that both switches offer a consistent sound and feel throughout the press and release of a key, providing a cohesive typing experience for the user.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Ink Red switches showcase different characteristics that can impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the Aliaz's polycarbonate housing may offer a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Ink Red's INK blend housing provides a slightly different high-pitched and clacky sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, as both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Aliaz requires 75 grams, while the Ink Red needs 60 grams. This means that the Aliaz switch provides a more substantial typing experience with both a heavier actuation and bottom out force, while the Ink Red offers a lighter touch for those who prefer less pressure when typing. If you prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Gateron Ink Red would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more significant push feel, the Gateron Aliaz would be the way to go. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that they will both provide a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. The tactile feedback of the Aliaz switch may differ from the smooth linear feel of the Ink Red switch, but in terms of how far the key actually moves, they are identical. This means that whether you choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch you go with.
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 Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 its muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch has a neutral sound profile with a hint of chirpiness, offering a moderate level of noise that is unique and satisfying. The difference in sound between the two switches lies in the Aliaz's emphasis on quietness and the Ink Red's distinctive chirpy characteristic.
Moving on to feel, both the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Ink Red switches offer a silky smooth typing experience. The Aliaz switch is further characterized by its medium-heavy weight, providing a substantial feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the Ink Red switch boasts a lighter actuation force, making it effortless to type on and suitable for those with a lighter typing style. Both switches also feature a polished finish, reducing friction and enhancing the overall smoothness of typing.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is ideal for those who prefer a quiet typing environment and a more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is perfect for users with a lighter typing style who enjoy a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a hint of chirpy sound. Overall, both switches offer a premium typing experience with their silky smooth feel and polished finish, ensuring a pleasurable typing experience for users seeking different qualities in their keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, consider the environment and your typing style. If you prefer a more substantial and pronounced typing feedback in a quiet setting like an office, the Aliaz switch with its heavier bottom out force and muted sound profile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style and enjoy a smooth and effortlessly typing experience with a crisp, clacky sound profile, the Ink Red switch with its lower actuation force and chirpy sound may be more suitable. Ultimately, your personal preferences and typing habits will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for you.
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