Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Mini i mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two excellent options geared towards enhancing your typing experience in quiet environments such as the office. The Aliaz switch stands out for its medium-heavy weight, offering a substantial feel to each keystroke while maintaining a silent design. This makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, resulting in a ['Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished'] typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a lightweight design with gentle tactility in each keystroke, providing a satisfying feedback without the intrusive clack often associated with mechanical keyboards. Its sound profile is fairly muted, catering to the quiet professionalism demanded in office settings. Categorized as ['Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', 'Subtle', 'Stepped'], the Gateron Mini i switch is perfect for long hours of comfortable typing. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Mini i differ significantly in terms of their properties and resulting sound profiles. The Aliaz utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on the switches. In contrast, the Mini i features a nylon top and bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound when compared to polycarbonate.
While both switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key, affecting the overall sound profile of the switch. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and offer a unique sound profile based on their housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the Aliaz's polycarbonate housing is clear and translucent, making it suitable for switches that feature RGB lighting. The Mini i's nylon housing, on the other hand, may not offer the same level of translucency but provides a classic look that is timeless in design. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials comes down to personal preference and the desired sound profile when typing on the switches. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different weight options to suit different preferences. The Aliaz switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Mini i switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. In this case, opting for the Aliaz switch will result in a heavier typing experience, while choosing the Mini i switch will offer a lighter typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Mini i the shorter option and the Aliaz the longer option in terms of travel distance. The Aliaz with its 4 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on the key compared to the Mini i's 3.4 mm travel distance. If you prefer a more responsive and quicker feel when typing or gaming, the Mini i may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a more substantial and deliberate key press, the Aliaz with its longer travel distance may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for office environments where noise levels need to be kept at a minimum. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various settings and purposes without being too loud or distracting. Ultimately, both switches offer a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches, with the Aliaz being more muted and the Mini i being more balanced in sound output.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing. This results in a refined and sleek feel with minimal resistance, catering to those who prefer a smoother typing experience. On the contrary, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, offering a variety of tactile feedback options to suit different preferences. Whether you prefer a spring-like rebound (bouncy), low resistance typing (easy-to-press), or a gentle and subtle tactile feel, the Mini i has options to cater to your typing style.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is best suited for individuals seeking a medium-heavy weight switch with a pronounced typing feedback in a quiet environment, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is ideal for those looking for a lightweight switch with gentle tactility for comfortable and quiet typing sessions. Both switches offer a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches, but the Aliaz leans towards a more substantial and pronounced feel, whereas the Mini i offers a range of tactile options to cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and the specific typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are in a quiet office setting and prefer a heavier typing experience with a more pronounced feedback, the Aliaz switch with its 75-gram bottom out force and muted sound profile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter, more comfortable typing experience that is still suitable for office use due to its gentle tactility and relatively quiet sound, the Mini i switch with its 50-gram bottom out force and neutral sound profile might be the better option. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your personal preference for typing feel, sound level, and the specific requirements of your workspace.
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