Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Cream Pink offer unique features suited for different preferences. The Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, is renowned for its silent design, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke, it provides a pronounced typing feedback without the noise, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink, a linear switch, lacks any specific distinctive feature but falls under the category of being smooth and polished. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and specific typing needs. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Cream Pink, we see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Cream Pink utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the Aliaz is more likely to provide a clearer and resonant sound, while the Cream Pink offers a duller and rounder sound.
Although the housing materials for the top and bottom of the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Cream Pink differ, their overall sound profiles are influenced by the qualities of each material. The polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Aliaz create a consistent, sharp sound throughout typing, while the nylon top and bottom housing of the Cream Pink offer a deeper and fuller sound experience for users. While both switches have distinct sound profiles, the Aliaz may provide a crisper and clearer typing experience, while the Cream Pink offers a more subdued and rounded sound that some users may prefer. Overall, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile.
In essence, the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Cream Pink play a significant role in determining the sound profile of each switch. The stiffer polycarbonate material of the Aliaz results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the softer nylon material of the Cream Pink offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. While the top and bottom housing materials may differ, the overall typing experience is influenced by both components, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 75 grams to bottom out, while the Cream Pink only needs 50 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out. This means that the Aliaz will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Cream Pink offers a lighter touch that may be more conducive to longer typing or gaming sessions. However, both switches fall into the medium to heavy force category, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for key presses.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, the typing experience on these switches will feel similar in terms of the distance traveled by the switch when actuated. This makes them both great options for those who prefer a moderate travel distance while typing. Overall, the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Cream Pink switches offer a consistent and balanced typing experience in terms of 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 Outemu Cream Pink 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is known for producing a muted sound, perfect for quiet environments like offices. This switch offers a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience. These qualities result in an exceptionally smooth keypress with reduced friction and a sleek overall feel. The Aliaz switch offers a medium-heavy weight, providing a substantial feedback to each keystroke. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch is unknown, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this aspect. If the Cream Pink switch offers a similar smoothness and refined keypress like the Aliaz, users can expect a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch stands out for its quiet operation and smooth, polished feel. It's a great choice for those who value a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. While the sound characteristics of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch are unknown, if it offers a similar quiet operation like the Aliaz and provides a smooth typing experience, users can expect comparable results. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Cream Pink switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and other factors such as price and availability.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, you should take into account your environment and typing preferences. If you are in a quiet setting such as an office and enjoy a more substantial feel with each keystroke, the Aliaz switch with its medium-heavy weight and silent design would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and polished typing experience and desire a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cream Pink switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your specific needs and preferences, so consider these factors carefully before making your selection.