Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Jupiter Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note the key differences between the two. The Aliaz switch is a tactile switch best suited for quiet environments such as the office, offering a medium-heavy weight and a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red is a linear switch known for its smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, featuring a medium-heavy actuation and high-precision molds for a seamless typing experience. While the Aliaz switch is ideal for those looking for a quieter yet substantial typing experience, the Jupiter Red is preferred by those who prioritize consistency and smoothness in their keystrokes. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Both the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Jupiter Red feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. This material is relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Aliaz utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Jupiter Red features a nylon bottom housing. This contrast creates a distinction in the sound profile, with the Aliaz having a sharper sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, and the Jupiter Red offering a deeper and fuller sound thanks to the softness of nylon.
The choice between the Aliaz and the Jupiter Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches provides a consistent sharp and clear sound profile, particularly beneficial for those who enjoy a crisper typing experience. However, the difference in bottom housing material offers a unique aspect to each switch. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Aliaz enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, while the nylon bottom housing in the Jupiter Red creates a duller and rounder sound, adding a deeper dimension to typing. Depending on whether you prioritize the bottom-out sound or the overall typing experience, one may be more suited to your preferences than the other.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Jupiter Red utilize polycarbonate top housings, their differing bottom housing materials provide distinct sound profiles. The Aliaz offers a sharper sound due to its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Jupiter Red provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing. Depending on whether you prefer a crisper typing experience or a more resonant sound, you may find one switch more appealing than the other. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience, making them both excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, which requires only 45 grams to actuate. Similarly, the Aliaz has a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Jupiter Red bottoms out at 60 grams. This means that the Aliaz is both heavier to press initially and requires more force to press all the way down compared to the Jupiter Red. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jupiter Red may be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Aliaz may be the preferred option due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar amount of travel from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent keypress feedback and performance regardless of which switch they choose to use. Both switches offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience with their 4 mm travel distance.
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 Red 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
When comparing the sound of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch to the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it is clear that the Aliaz offers a much quieter and more subdued typing experience. The Aliaz switch is described as muted, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards and making it ideal for office or shared environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red switch is considered neutral, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various settings and user preferences.
In terms of feel, both the Aliaz and Jupiter Red switches share some similarities. They both offer a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Aliaz switch is also described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red switch is described as creamy, offering a buttery and smooth sensation when typing, akin to effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz is best suited for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience with a substantial key feel, while the Jupiter Red is ideal for users who prefer a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force. Both switches provide a polished feel, but the Aliaz leans towards a silky typing experience while the Jupiter Red offers a creamy sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you value a more pronounced typing feedback and enjoy a heavier keystroke for a substantial feel, the Aliaz switch would be a great choice, especially in quiet office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and consistent typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Jupiter Red switch would be the ideal option, offering a seamless keystroke with softer backlight effects. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a heavier touch (Aliaz) or a linear, smooth typing sensation with a moderate feel (Jupiter Red).
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