Gateron Aliaz vs. Kailh Box Navy
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh Box Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Kailh Box Navy, a clicky switch, offer distinct typing experiences. The Aliaz switches are ideal for quiet environments such as the office, providing a medium-heavy weight and a subtle yet satisfying typing feedback. On the other hand, the Box Navy switches cater to those who prefer a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound signature reminiscent of vintage keyboards. While the Aliaz is described as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Box Navy is characterized as 'Sharp', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', 'Crunchy', and 'Stiff'. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your preference for noise level, typing feel, and overall 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
60g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
90g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and Kailh Box Navy switches both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the overall design. Despite the shared material for the top housing, the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing further contributes to the switch's sound profile, while the Box Navy's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature absorbing more sound.
In terms of sound and feel, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and sensation when pressing down on a switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Kailh Box Navy results in a duller and rounder sound profile, contrasting with the crisper and sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Gateron Aliaz. On the other hand, the impact on the sound upon key release is more influenced by the qualities of the top housing material. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing, the different bottom housing materials provide distinct tactile feedback and sound experiences.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Gateron Aliaz and Kailh Box Navy plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and tactile feedback. The stiffer polycarbonate used in the top housing of both switches contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing of the Box Navy creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the crisper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Aliaz. Understanding the impact of each housing material on sound and feel can help enthusiasts and users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch both have an actuation force of 60 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of initial key press. However, the Aliaz has a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Box Navy has a bottom out force of 90 grams. This indicates that the Box Navy switch requires a heavier force to fully press down the key compared to the Aliaz switch. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aliaz switch, while those who prefer a heavier press may prefer the Box Navy switch for a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a tactile feedback, making them suitable for users who enjoy the sensation of feeling the actuation point during typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Aliaz offers a deeper press with its 4 mm travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Box Navy's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm provides a quicker response, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster input recognition. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preference for depth and responsiveness.
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 Navy comes in at $5.50 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Aliaz switch provides a muted typing experience, producing softer and quieter sounds ideal for office settings or environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience for those who enjoy a clicky switch sound. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Aliaz focusing on a quieter operation while the Box Navy emphasizes a crisp and lively typing sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, with an exceptionally smooth and refined feel that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness. In comparison, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback with a firm actuation force, creating a strong and crisp tactile bump for each keypress. Additionally, the Box Navy switch is described as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback and key feel, with the Aliaz focusing on smoothness and refinement while the Box Navy offers a more intense and reactive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and Kailh Box Navy switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switch provides a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy weight and silky, polished feel, catering to those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Navy switch delivers a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, perfect for those seeking a heavy typing experience with a vintage clicky switch sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you value a silent keyboard with a medium-heavy feel and smooth typing experience, the Aliaz switches are a great choice, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a distinct clicky sound and sharp tactile feedback, the Box Navy switches are the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing feel (Aliaz) or a loud and tactile typing experience (Box Navy). Each switch offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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