Gateron Aliaz vs. Kailh Box Mute Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, offer distinct typing experiences for users to choose from. The Aliaz switches are ideal for quiet environments such as the office, providing a silent design while still offering a medium-heavy weight that gives a satisfying feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade switches cater to those who enjoy the crunchy tactile feedback of a clicky switch but prefer a more subdued sound profile. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and are categorized differently, with the Aliaz being smooth, muted, and polished, and the Box Mute Jade being accented, crunchy, stiff, and polished. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
75g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Kailh Box Mute Jade both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The transparency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. In contrast, the Aliaz uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Box Mute Jade incorporates a nylon bottom housing. The softer nylon material of the Box Mute Jade produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings, the Gateron Aliaz emphasizes the use of this material in both the top and bottom housings. This results in a more consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke, as the stiffer polycarbonate material resonates in both the initial press down and the release of the key. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing creates a unique typing experience. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, leading to a duller bottom-out sound but a deeper and fuller overall sound profile.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh Box Mute Jade ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The Gateron Aliaz provides a consistent and crisp sound profile due to its use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings. In contrast, the Kailh Box Mute Jade offers a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its nylon bottom housing. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, making them suitable choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, it is evident that both switches have heavier weights, with the Box Mute Jade being slightly heavier. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Box Mute Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Aliaz may appeal to those who prefer a slightly lighter touch, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without strain. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Box Mute Jade may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, it is evident that the Aliaz has a slightly longer travel distance at 4mm compared to the Box Mute Jade's 3.6mm travel distance. The Aliaz offers a traditional travel distance, while the Box Mute Jade is on the shorter end of the spectrum. Gamers might favor the Box Mute Jade for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while others may prefer the deeper feel of the Aliaz switch for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Aliaz providing a longer travel distance and the Box Mute Jade offering a shorter and quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing and 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 Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 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 is known for its muted profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade offers a crunchy sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. While both switches have unique sound characteristics, the Aliaz will be more suitable for those seeking a quieter typing environment, while the Box Mute Jade will appeal to those who enjoy a subtle yet distinctive clicky sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction. This results in a refined and sleek feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch is described as accented and stiff, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming, along with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Both switches offer a unique tactile experience, with the Aliaz focusing on smoothness and refined feedback, while the Box Mute Jade provides a distinct tactile bump with a stiffer feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and Kailh Box Mute Jade switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz is best suited for those who prioritize a quiet typing environment with a medium-heavy weight and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade is ideal for users who enjoy a clicky switch with a subdued sound profile, offering a slight bump and a crunchy typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard and your personal preference for sound and feel. If you work in a quiet office or prefer a more subtle typing experience, the Aliaz switch with its muted sound and silky feel may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the clicky feedback of a switch but want a quieter noise level, the Box Mute Jade switch with its crunchy sound and accented feel might be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual typing style and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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