Gateron Aliaz vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Olive mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note the differences in their design and performance. The Aliaz switch is perfect for quiet environments such as offices, offering a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. With a focus on a silent design, the Aliaz switch delivers a muted and polished typing experience that is perfect for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches stand out for their all-POM housings and unique design that creates a resonant, deep sound. These medium-weight switches offer a sharp, tactile feedback thanks to the long pole stem, resulting in an invigorating and satisfying typing experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Olive, the Aliaz stands out with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate results in a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for those looking for a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive features POM top and bottom housings, producing a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This gives the Olive a unique sound profile that may appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience.
Furthermore, the difference in housing materials between the Aliaz and the Olive extends beyond just sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Aliaz allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Olive may not allow as much light to pass through, resulting in a different aesthetic experience. This highlights how housing materials can impact both the auditory and visual aspects of a mechanical keyboard switch.
However, despite their differences, both the Aliaz and the Olive share a common goal of enhancing the typing experience through the use of high-quality materials. Whether it be the sharper sound profile of the Aliaz's polycarbonate housing or the unique sound of the Olive's POM housing, both switches are designed to provide users with a satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, aesthetics, and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Bsun Olive tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Aliaz requires 75 grams to bottom out while the Olive requires 65 grams, making the Aliaz heavier overall. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Aliaz may be the better choice due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. However, for individuals who prefer a lighter typing feel for longer typing sessions, the Bsun Olive switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Therefore, the Aliaz has a longer travel distance compared to the Olive. For those who prefer a deeper key press and more travel distance, the Gateron Aliaz would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive with its shorter travel distance would be favored by those looking for quicker response times and a more immediate typing experience. Both switches offer different advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Aliaz providing a more traditional key press feel and the Olive offering a more rapid and efficient typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 tactile switch offers a muted typing experience, perfect for quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch produces a resonant, deep sound that provides a unique auditory experience. Both switches have their distinct sound profiles, with the Aliaz being quieter and the Olive being more resonant, catering to different preferences depending on the user's environment and typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Aliaz tactile switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is characterized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a pronounced tactile feedback and a snappy and reactive feel with each keypress. While the Aliaz focuses on a smooth and refined typing experience, the Olive emphasizes a tactile and responsive feedback for an immersive typing sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz and Bsun Olive tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz is tailored for quiet environments and provides a medium-heavy weight with a substantial feel to each keystroke, while the Olive delivers a resonant sound and a pronounced tactile feedback with its all-POM housings and long pole stem design. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and typing experience, as both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between Gateron Aliaz and BSUN Olive tactile switches, you should consider your typing environment and preferred typing experience. If you work in a quiet office or prefer a smooth and polished typing feel with a medium-heavy weight, the Aliaz switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a resonant and deep sound, along with pronounced tactile feedback and a snappy typing experience, the BSUN Olive switches would suit you best. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
