Gateron Aliaz vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry

Overview

When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Aliaz switches are ideal for quiet environments like offices due to their silent design, providing a medium-heavy weight that offers a substantial feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switches stand out for their sharp tactile bump, appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced typing feel. While the Aliaz switch is characterized as 'Silky,' 'Muted,' and 'Polished,' the Blueberry switch is described as 'Snappy,' 'Buttery,' 'Low-pitched,' 'Textured,' 'Resonant,' 'Invigorating,' and 'Stiff.' However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Aliaz Tactile

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$8.00

$5.50 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, we see that both switches feature different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Aliaz uses polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with clear and resonant qualities. On the other hand, the Blueberry utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the Aliaz's polycarbonate housing produces a crisper sound, while the Blueberry's POM housing offers a more subdued tone.

Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches provide distinct sound profiles based on their top and bottom housings. The use of polycarbonate in the Aliaz switch results in a sharper, more resonant sound, especially when used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Blueberry switch, with its POM housing, delivers a deeper and more subtle sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile, with the Aliaz offering a crisper sound and the Blueberry providing a more muted tone.

When comparing the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, the differences become even more apparent. The qualities of the bottom housing material are felt most prominently when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Aliaz, the polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the sharp and clear sound on key presses, while the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry results in a deeper and more subdued sound. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the contrasting sound profiles of polycarbonate in the Aliaz and POM in the Blueberry switches.

Weight

Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch reveals some differences. The Aliaz has a lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Blueberry's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aliaz requires 75 grams while the Blueberry needs 80 grams, making the Blueberry heavier in this aspect. The weight of a switch is a crucial factor to consider, as a lighter force may be preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions, while a heavier force may provide a more substantial typing experience. In this case, those who prefer a slightly lighter actuation force may lean towards the NovelKeys Blueberry, while those looking for a heavier bottom out force may opt for the Gateron Aliaz for a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel distance, resulting in a similar typing experience. This means that whether you choose the Aliaz or the Blueberry switch, you can expect a consistent feel in terms of key travel. Both switches offer a tactile bump during actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer tactile switches. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is identical, offering users a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Aliaz and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer different auditory experiences. The Aliaz switch produces a muted sound, ideal for quiet environments, while the NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a low-pitched, resonant sound profile that adds depth to the typing experience. Both switches have unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Aliaz being quieter and the Blueberry being more bass-heavy and immersive.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with minimized resistance. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is known for being snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff, offering a more lively and tactile typing feel with varying levels of feedback and actuation force. Both switches excel in providing users with a distinct tactile sensation, whether it be a smooth and polished keystroke with the Aliaz or a more textured and invigorating typing experience with the Blueberry.

In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz provides a muted and smooth typing experience, ideal for quiet environments and individuals who prefer a medium-heavy weight to their keystrokes, while the Blueberry offers a sharp tactile bump, snappy response, and immersive sound profile for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can achieve similar results in typing satisfaction with either switch, as both offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you are in a quiet setting like an office and prefer a medium-heavy key feel with a smooth typing experience, the Aliaz may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch would be a great option. Ultimately, the Aliaz offers a muted sound and a silky, polished feel, while the NovelKeys Blueberry provides a low-pitched, resonant sound and a snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, or stiff feel. Choose according to your typing style and the setting in which you will be using the keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Aliaz Tactile

$8.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more