Gateron Aliaz vs. Kailh Berry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh Berry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh Berry linear switch, it is clear that they each offer unique characteristics to consider. The Aliaz switches are ideal for quiet environments such as offices, thanks to their silent design, while also providing a medium-heavy weight for a substantial typing feel. On the other hand, the Berry switches offer a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, creating a deep sound profile. Choosing between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize a muted and polished typing experience with the Aliaz, or a textured and bassy feel with the Berry. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh Berry switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through the housing effectively.
While the Gateron Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, the Kailh Berry switch features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out the keys on switches with nylon bottom housings.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh Berry switches can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the top housing material, which is polycarbonate for both switches, will have more of an impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for the type of sound and feel desired during typing.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh Berry linear switch, it is clear that the Aliaz is the lighter option with an actuation force of 60 grams, while the Berry is the heavier option with a bottom out force of 70 grams. The Aliaz has a higher bottom out force of 75 grams compared to the Berry's 70 grams, making it heavier in that aspect. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. Those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Aliaz for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for the Berry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Aliaz has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Berry. A longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback and may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper keystroke feel. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Berry can offer a quicker response time, which is favored by gamers or those who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific use case, as both options have their advantages and drawbacks.
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 Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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
The Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its muted sound profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments like offices. On the other hand, the Kailh Berry linear switch produces a low-pitched and bassy sound that adds depth and richness to each keystroke. When it comes to feel, the Aliaz switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, providing smooth key travel and minimal resistance. In contrast, the Berry switch is described as having a textured feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit more feedback and resistance when typing.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh Berry linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Aliaz switch prioritizes a quieter typing experience with a smooth and polished feel, the Berry switch provides a deeper sound profile and a more textured typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing feedback. However, it's worth noting that both switches offer high-quality performance tailored to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh Berry linear switch, consider the environment you'll be typing in and your preference for sound and feel. If you're in a quiet office setting and prefer a pronounced tactile feedback with a smooth typing experience, the Aliaz switch would be a great choice with its medium-heavy weight and muted sound profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy a springy typing experience with a low-pitched and deep sound profile, the Berry switch could be the one for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and the environment you'll be using the keyboard in.
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