Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Jupiter Brown mechanical keyboard switches, both are tactile switches that offer a medium-heavy weight for a satisfying typing experience. The Aliaz stands out for its focus on quietness, making it ideal for office settings with its silent design. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown combines traditional tactile feedback with innovative features, including softer backlight effects for a visually appealing experience. While the Aliaz offers a 'Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished' typing experience, the Jupiter Brown provides a 'Mild', 'Polished', 'Stepped' feel. These distinctions make each switch suitable for different preferences and environments. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Jupiter Brown both feature polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a consistent and pleasing sound experience when typing.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, maintaining a sharp and resonant sound profile throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing material gives each switch a unique typing experience, with the Aliaz offering a consistent clear sound and the Jupiter Brown providing a deeper and fuller tone.
Overall, the difference in bottom housing material between the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Jupiter Brown allows for a varied typing experience. While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Brown adds a distinct sound quality compared to the Aliaz. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller tone, both switches offer unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Aliaz requires more force to trigger a keystroke and to fully press down compared to the Jupiter Brown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Jupiter Brown, which has slightly lighter forces, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. However, those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Aliaz for a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, it can be said that both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with a moderate key travel. Whether you choose the Aliaz or the Jupiter Brown, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. This makes them both suitable options for those who prefer a tactile typing experience without a significant difference in travel distance between the two switches.
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 Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 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 tactile switch is known for its muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch are unknown. Please keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is described as offering a silky and polished typing experience, providing exceptionally smooth key presses with reduced resistance and friction. Similarly, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch also boasts a polished feel, ensuring smooth key travel for a refined typing experience. Additionally, the Jupiter Brown offers a mild typing experience, catering to a wide range of users with its gentle characteristics and a unique stepped design that feels more subdued compared to hyper-tactile switches.
Overall, both the Gateron Aliaz and Jupiter Brown tactile switches offer high-precision molds and a medium-heavy weight for a substantial typing feel. While the Aliaz switch is tailored for quieter environments with its muted sound and silky feel, the Jupiter Brown switch blends tradition with innovation through a classic keystroke feel and enhanced softer backlight effects. Depending on your preference for sound profile and typing experience, both switches provide reliable performance and aesthetic appeal, ensuring that you'll get similar quality results no matter which one you choose.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you are looking for a heavier bottom-out force and a more pronounced typing feedback in a quieter setting, the Aliaz switch with its 75-gram weight may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and a classic tactile typing experience with a touch of innovation, the Jupiter Brown switch with its 70-gram weight may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound, and the environment in which you plan to use the keyboard. Both switches offer high-quality performance and aesthetics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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