Gateron Aliaz vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz is ideal for quiet environments such as the office, with its silent design and medium-heavy weight providing a substantial and pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out for its sharp tactile feel, featuring a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper upstroke bump that creates a hypertactile sensation. The Moyu Blacks offer a premium typing experience with a distinctive and impactful feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), it is evident that the Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) incorporates PBT for both. The polycarbonate in the Aliaz provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is especially ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the PBT in the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a more neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. This difference in sound profile can significantly impact the overall typing experience for individuals who have a preference for either a sharper or more neutral sound.
Furthermore, the use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Aliaz allows for a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke, as the material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the incorporation of PBT in both housings of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) maintains a consistent neutral sound profile that may appeal to those who prefer a more balanced typing experience. Despite the different housing materials used in each switch, both the Aliaz and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offer a unique sound profile that can cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, while the Aliaz and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) may have different housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings in each switch influences the sound profile during keystrokes and bottom-out actions. Whether one prefers the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Aliaz or the neutral sound of PBT in the Moyu Black (Dark Jade), both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance the overall typing feel and sound for mechanical keyboard users.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch which has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aliaz requires 75 grams, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) needs 67 grams. This makes the Aliaz heavier in both categories compared to the Moyu Black (Dark Jade), which falls in the medium-heavy range. The Aliaz would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher forces, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) would be lighter and more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on keys equipped with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent key feel in terms of travel distance. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in this aspect, ensuring that users will get similar results regardless of which switch they choose. This makes it easier for users to switch between keyboards with these different switches without having to adjust to a different 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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz offers a muted typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it a great choice for quiet environments like the office. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a resonant sound profile, with a higher-pitched and clean sound that can be quite immersive. The sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound of the Moyu Blacks' downstroke bump adds to the overall typing experience, creating a distinct auditory sensation. Ultimately, your choice of board and keycaps will also play a role in the final sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz is described as offering a silky and polished typing experience, with exceptionally smooth key presses and a refined finish that reduces friction for a sleek typing feel. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides an accented tactile feedback with a sharp and strong tactile bump, creating a distinct and impactful typing experience. The Moyu Blacks are known for their strong and crisp tactile feedback, adding to the overall typing sensation.
Overall, both the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aliaz provides a quiet and substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy weight switches, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out with its sharp and resonant tactile feedback that creates a hypertactile sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a different typing experience that can cater to a variety of users. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, consider your environment and preferences. If you value a quiet typing experience and prefer a medium-heavy weight with a smooth and polished feel, the Aliaz may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp and prominent tactile feel, a resonant sound profile, and medium-heavy resistance with an accented and sharp feedback, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) could be the ideal switch for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch and how they align with your personal typing style and environment.
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