Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, each has its own unique features to consider. The Aliaz is perfect for quiet environments like the office, offering a silent design that won't disrupt those around you. With a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke, it's a great option for those who enjoy pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Blue Jade switch from Outemu is known for its clicky sound with each press. While it may not be as discreet as the Aliaz, the Blue Jade provides a satisfying tactile and auditory experience for those who enjoy the sound of typing. Ultimately, both switches have their own advantages and reasons for choosing them. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Blue Jade, we see some significant differences. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Blue Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. These differences in housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, we see similar distinctions between the Aliaz and the Blue Jade switches. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its sharp, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Blue Jade's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound. Just like with the top housings, the stiffness of polycarbonate and the softness of nylon play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches. Whether you prefer a crisper, more resonant sound or a deeper, fuller tone, the choice of housing material can make a noticeable difference in your typing experience.
It's important to note that when the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, each housing material brings its own qualities to the overall sound and feel. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a stronger influence on the sound when releasing a key. While the Aliaz and the Blue Jade switches have their own unique characteristics due to their housing materials, understanding how these materials interact with the switch mechanisms can help users choose the best option for their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Blue Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. The Aliaz is on the heavier side, offering a more robust typing feel, while the Blue Jade falls in the medium-heavy range, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing force and intensity.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This can result in a similar typing or gaming experience in terms of the physical feedback received from the switches. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is on the shorter side compared to other switches in the market, which may impact the speed and responsiveness of typing or gaming actions.
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 Blue Jade 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is known for its muted typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to other mechanical switches. This makes it a great choice for those looking to keep a low profile in quiet environments such as the office. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch does not have any specific information available about its sound characteristics. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel with minimal resistance. This smoothness enhances the overall typing feel for a comfortable experience. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Outemu Blue Jade switch. If you enjoy a smooth and refined typing experience, the Aliaz switch could be a great choice.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch stands out for its quiet and substantial typing experience, making it ideal for those who value a tactile feel without the noise. With its muted sound and silky, polished feel, this switch can provide a satisfying typing experience for various users. While information about the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is not available for a direct comparison, if you prefer a similar tactile experience, the Aliaz switch could be a reliable option. Remember to consider your personal preferences and typing environment when choosing between these two mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, you should consider your environment and typing preferences. If you value a quiet typing experience in a professional setting, the Aliaz switch with its medium-heavy weight and muted sound may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and don't mind the audible clicky sound, the Blue Jade switch with its medium-heavy weight may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing needs. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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