Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it becomes evident that each offers unique features catering to different preferences. The Aliaz is celebrated for its silent design, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy weight, this switch provides a substantial feel to every keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy pronounced typing feedback without the accompanying noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Black is a linear switch that lacks any specific standout features. However, its smooth and consistent keystrokes make it a reliable choice for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. While these general pointers offer insight into the key characteristics of each switch, delving deeper into their nuances will enable you to make a more informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Black both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prioritize auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Outemu Black features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing. This softer material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users seeking a different tactile experience.
While both switches share similar top housings, their differing bottom housing materials offer distinct sound and feel characteristics. The split qualities between the bottom and top housings mean that users will feel the impact of the bottom housing when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a stronger influence on the sound when releasing a key. This difference in housing materials allows users to customize their typing experience based on their preferences for sound profile, tactile feedback, and overall typing comfort.
In summary, the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Black showcase how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile, the Aliaz's nylon bottom housing provides a different typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Black's nylon bottom housing offers a softer, more absorbent material for a rounder sound. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, we see that the Aliaz has a lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Black's 65 grams. Both switches have a heavy bottom out force, with the Aliaz at 75 grams and the Black at 82 grams. This means that while the Aliaz might be easier to trigger a keystroke with, both switches will provide a substantial typing experience due to their heavy bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Aliaz would be the better choice. However, for individuals who appreciate a more robust typing feel, the Outemu Black switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the difference in actuation force between the two switches may not be significant enough to vastly impact the typing experience, so users can expect similar results in terms of performance.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that both offer the same keypress feel in terms of distance traveled. This means that whether you choose the Aliaz or the Black switch, you can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to the travel distance. Overall, both switches provide a consistent keypress feel in terms of travel distance, offering a smooth typing experience for users.
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 Black comes in at $3.10 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 tactile switch is often favored for its quiet operation, making it ideal for use in office settings or environments where noise may be a concern. With a medium-heavy weight, the Aliaz switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback with each press, offering a more pronounced typing experience without the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Outemu Black linear switch lacks specific information in terms of sound and feel characteristics. However, based on the available information, the Aliaz switch is likely to produce a muted sound compared to the potentially louder Outemu Black switch.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, offering users an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. These qualities contribute to reduced friction, smooth key travel, and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Outemu Black switch are unknown. If we were to compare the two, it is likely that the Aliaz switch would provide a smoother and more polished typing feel compared to the Outemu Black switch.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch presents as a solid choice for individuals seeking a tactile switch option that excels in providing a quiet and substantial typing experience. While specific information on the Outemu Black linear switch is lacking, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel based on the available information, ultimately making the decision between the two switches a matter of personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you are looking for a quiet typing experience for an office setting or shared space, the Aliaz switches with their medium-heavy weight and silent design would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a heavier bottom out force and a linear switch for a more straightforward typing experience without any tactile feedback, the Outemu Black switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and desired use case.
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