Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Lime mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz switch is well-suited for quiet environments such as offices, offering a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced typing feedback without the noise, making it a popular choice among those seeking a more polished and muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch stands out for its lightweight design, approachable tactility, and silent operation. Perfect for tactile enthusiasts looking for a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, the Lime switch offers a unique combination of neutrality, mildness, and subtlety. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Lime, we can see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Lime utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile from its softer plastic material. This contrast in materials affects the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch. However, both switches share the quality of translucency in their top housing, making them suitable for RGB lighting options.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Aliaz and the Lime differ once again in their choice of materials. The Aliaz continues with a polycarbonate bottom housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Lime switches feature a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer plastic's sound absorption properties. The combination of different housing materials in each switch impacts the typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the choice of housing materials for switches like the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Lime plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience for users. The use of polycarbonate in the Aliaz results in a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon material in the Lime produces a deeper and fuller sound. While both switches offer clarity in sound due to their translucent top housing, the contrasting properties of their bottom housings further differentiate the typing experience between the two. Overall, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a softer bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and want to type for longer periods without fatigue. The Aliaz switch offers a more rigid and defined tactile feedback due to its heavier force requirements, while the Lime switch provides a smoother and softer typing experience with its lighter force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and desired level of force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Outemu Lime has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Aliaz. The Aliaz offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper feeling when pressed, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Lime offers a shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times, making it more suitable for gamers or those who prefer a quicker typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the typing experience desired.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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
The Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Lime switches offer a stark difference in sound and feel. The Aliaz switch provides a muted sound profile, ideal for quiet environments like offices, while the Lime switch has a neutral sound with a touch of tactility making it suitable for various settings. From a tactile perspective, the Aliaz switch delivers a silky and polished typing experience with medium-heavy weight, offering a pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Lime switch feels mild and feathery, providing a light touch with gentle resistance. Both switches boast a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel. In conclusion, while the Aliaz switch caters to those seeking a more substantial and quieter typing experience, the Outemu Lime switch is perfect for users looking for a lightweight, tactile feel with a neutral sound. Whether you choose the Gateron Aliaz or Outemu Lime, you can expect quality switches that cater to different preferences with similar polished finishes for smooth typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs to make the best choice for your typing experience. If you value a substantial keystroke feel and a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, the Aliaz is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility in a silenced switch, the Lime is the better option for you. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and environment to enhance your overall typing comfort and satisfaction.
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