Gateron Aliaz vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Aliaz and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. The Aliaz switch is ideal for those seeking a tactile typing experience in a quiet setting, thanks to its silent design and medium-heavy weight that offers a satisfying keystroke feel without the noise. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switch stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel. While the Aliaz switch may appeal to those who value a pronounced typing feedback, the Keygeek Raw switch is a great option for enthusiasts who prefer to customize and hand-lube their switches. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches offer distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiff, contributing to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switches utilize a unique Nylon & UPE blend for their top housing, providing a different sound profile and aesthetic compared to the Aliaz.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Aliaz and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches continue to showcase differences in their material composition. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing also contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. The material's stiffness enhances the overall sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the Keygeek Raw switches boast a UMPE & Si blend for their bottom housing, offering a unique feel and sound compared to the Aliaz. This exclusive blend provides a different tactile experience for users, showcasing the diversity in housing material options for mechanical switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in defining the sound and feel of the typing experience. While both the Gateron Aliaz and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches offer unique housing compositions, they ultimately cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback. Whether opting for the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Aliaz or the exclusive blend in the Keygeek Raw switches, users can expect a diverse range of options to suit their typing needs. Ultimately, the housing materials contribute to the overall performance and customization possibilities of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for users. The Gateron Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw has an unknown actuation force and a lighter bottom out force of 57.5 grams, making it a more suitable option for users who prefer a lighter keystroke for longer typing sessions or gaming. While the Aliaz offers a heavier typing experience, the Keygeek Raw provides a medium-level force, allowing users to find the switch that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Aliaz offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press with a deeper feeling. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw with its shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, particularly gamers. Both options offer different experiences when it comes to travel distance, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, whether you choose the Aliaz or the Keygeek Raw, you'll get a high-quality switch with a smooth key press experience.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 offers a muted experience, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of settings whether you are a beginner or advanced user. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is lauded for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction. In contrast, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switch provides a textured feel out of the box, appealing to users who enjoy a subtle amount of friction when typing. Additionally, the Keygeek Raw switch falls into the mild and subtle category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Taking all the available information into account, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Gateron Aliaz is best suited for those who prioritize a quiet and substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy weight and smooth feel. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switch stands out for its unique material blend, creamy yet lightweight feel, and slightly textured typing experience, making it a great choice for enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing their switches. Ultimately, whether you choose the Aliaz or the Keygeek Raw, you can expect to get similar results in terms of quality and performance for your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a heavy, substantial feel with a pronounced typing feedback in a quiet setting like the office, the Aliaz switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight, creamy switch that you can hand-lube for a personalized feel and sound, the Keygeek Raw switch would be a great option to consider. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to assess what qualities are most important to you in order to make the best decision for your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Aliaz and Keygeek Raw switch will depend on your individual preferences and needs.
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