Gateron Aliaz vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch to the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, it's clear that both have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz switches are ideal for quiet environments such as the office, offering a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. If you prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, the Aliaz switches are a great choice. On the other hand, the Box Royal switches are known for their sharp, binary tactility, making them perfect for those seeking an aggressive tactile experience. While the Aliaz switches are characterized as smooth, muted, and refined, the Box Royal switches are known for their sharp, high-pitched feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh Box Royal, we can see that they both offer unique sound profiles based on the materials used. The Aliaz's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Box Royal's nylon top and bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound. The difference in stiffness between polycarbonate and nylon plays a significant role in the sound characteristics of each switch, with polycarbonate being stiffer and nylon being softer.
However, despite the differences in sound profiles, both switches share a commonality in their housing materials when it comes to creating a unique typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Aliaz switch and nylon in the top housing of the Box Royal switch both contribute to a clearer sound profile when keys are released. This demonstrates that even though the materials may be different, the end result in terms of sound quality can be similar when it comes to certain aspects of typing.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh Box Royal ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While the Aliaz may offer a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its polycarbonate housing, the Box Royal provides a deeper and fuller sound experience with its nylon housing. Whether you prefer a higher-pitched sound or a more rounded sound, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials play a key role in shaping the overall typing experience and can influence the way you interact with the switches.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch's lighter 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Aliaz requires 75 grams of force, making it heavier than the Box Royal, which requires 70 grams. This means that the Gateron Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with both its actuation and bottom out forces being heavier compared to the Kailh Box Royal switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Kailh Box Royal may be the better option due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more robust and tactile typing experience may find the Gateron Aliaz to be the preferable choice.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Kailh Box Royal has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Aliaz. This slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a bit more feedback when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding travel distance 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 Royal 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for office settings. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal switch produces a higher-pitched sound, which may appeal to those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound when typing. It's important to note that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, with smooth key presses and minimal resistance. This results in a refined and comfortable typing feel that enhances overall smoothness. In contrast, the Kailh Box Royal switch is characterized by a sharp tactile bump that provides intense feedback with each keypress. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response while typing.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz switch is best suited for those looking for a quiet and substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, while the Kailh Box Royal switch is ideal for individuals who prefer a highly tactile and aggressive typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. Ultimately, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Aliaz switch would be the way to go, and if you prefer a more tactile and intense typing experience, the Box Royal switch would be the better option.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a quieter typing experience and prefer a medium-heavy weight switch with a smooth and polished feel, the Aliaz switches are a great choice, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you prioritize a highly tactile typing experience with a sharp feedback intensity and don't mind a higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal switches would be more suitable for you. So, consider these factors carefully before making your decision to ensure that you select the switch that best meets your needs and preferences.
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