Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Beer
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Beer switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Beer both offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Aliaz switch is perfect for quiet environments, like the office, with its silent design and medium-heavy weight, providing a satisfying feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer switch adds a fun twist with its translucent green color and lightweight build. It offers a stepped tactility that gives a subtle feedback compared to the Aliaz's more pronounced typing feel. The Beer switch also produces a characteristic clacky sound signature, adding a touch of personality to your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Beer both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housing materials, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who enjoy RGB lighting effects, as it allows the light to shine through the housing, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the switch.
While both the Aliaz and Beer switches share similarities in their housing materials, they may differ in other aspects such as stem material or spring weight. However, in terms of housing, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetics due to the use of polycarbonate. The top housing of both switches will play a significant role in the sound produced when pressing a key, while the bottom housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the key press. This differentiation in housing materials highlights the attention to detail and customization options available for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Beer may come down to personal preference in terms of other factors such as actuation force, tactile feedback, or key travel distance. However, for those seeking a switch with a sharp, clear sound profile and the option for RGB lighting, both switches provide a solid option with their polycarbonate housing materials. The use of polycarbonate ensures a consistent and reliable typing experience, making either the Aliaz or Beer a suitable choice for those looking for a high-quality mechanical switch with a focus on sound and aesthetics.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a significantly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Beer tactile switch. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of actuation force and 75 grams of bottom out force, making it a heavier option. On the other hand, the Beer switch has a much lighter touch, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Gateron Beer switch would be the better choice. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on desired actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Aliaz has a longer travel distance compared to the Beer. The traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm offers a more substantial key press feel, ideal for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Beer switch provides a shallower key press, which can be favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both options cater to different preferences, with the Aliaz offering a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel, and the Beer providing a shorter travel distance for quicker responses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal typing or gaming preferences.
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 Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 switch offers a muted experience, ideal for quiet environments like the office. This switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer switch is described as clacky, emitting a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, adding a unique auditory experience to typing sessions. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual preferences should be taken into account.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch provides a silky and polished typing experience. These switches are known for their exceptionally smooth feel, enhancing the overall typing experience by reducing resistance during key presses. The polished finish contributes to a sleek typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction. In contrast, the Gateron Beer switch is designed for ease of pressing, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the stepped tactile feel of the Beer switch provides a unique typing sensation with two stages of feedback, creating a more subtle tactile response compared to other switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and Beer tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switch is geared towards quiet environments with its muted sound and smooth, polished feel, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Beer switch provides a clacky sound signature and an easy-to-press feel, making it ideal for those seeking a lighter and more responsive typing experience. While both switches have their own unique characteristics, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing environment in which they will be used. Overall, users can expect high-quality performance and satisfaction with either of these Gateron tactile switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Beer tactile switches, consider your preference for typing feedback and noise level. If you value a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy keystroke feel, the Aliaz switches are ideal for office settings or environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter actuation force and a more subtle tactile feedback with a characteristic clacky sound, the Beer switches may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard.
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