Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz to the Outemu Cream Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer a tactile typing experience. The Gateron Aliaz is renowned for its silent design, making it perfect for quiet environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy weight and a polished feel, the Aliaz switches provide a satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a pronounced feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch does not have a specific standout feature but still offers a tactile typing experience. In choosing between the two switches, individuals may prefer the Aliaz for its silent operation and substantial feel, while others may opt for the Cream Yellow for a more straightforward tactile 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Cream Yellow switches differ in their composition and characteristics. The Aliaz switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Cream Yellow switch utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials impact the sound produced by the switches, they offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound resonance and depth.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Aliaz and Cream Yellow switches also exhibit varying characteristics. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, similar to its impact on the top housing. In comparison, the nylon bottom housing of the Cream Yellow creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature. This contrast in materials highlights how the composition of the bottom housing can influence the overall sound experience when typing on these switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Cream Yellow plays a significant role in defining the sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches. While the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Aliaz offer a sharper and crisper sound, the nylon top and bottom housings of the Cream Yellow provide a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether it's a stiffer or softer plastic used in the housing, each material brings its own unique qualities to the overall typing experience, impacting the sound produced and the tactile feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is clear that the Aliaz is the heavier option, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Cream Yellow is the lighter option, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow offers a lighter typing experience, making it perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Aliaz catering to those who prefer a heavier feel, and the Cream Yellow catering to those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional length. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for a faster response time, while those looking for a more substantial keypress might prefer the longer travel distance. Both switches provide tactile feedback, but the Aliaz offers a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a deeper keypress sensation.Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference and which type of travel distance feels more comfortable to the individual user.
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 Yellow 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 known for its silent design, making it a popular choice for quiet environments like offices. With a medium-heavy weight, the Aliaz switches offer a substantial feel to each keystroke, providing a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The sound produced by the Aliaz is muted, giving a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. When it comes to feel, the Aliaz switches are described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance.
On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch does not have known subjective qualities for sound or feel at this time. However, it is worth noting that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps being used. If the Cream Yellow switch is similar to the Aliaz in these aspects, users can expect a similarly muted sound and smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch stands out for its silent operation and substantial feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a pronounced feedback. With a muted sound and silky, polished feel, the Aliaz switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch are unknown, users may find similar results in terms of sound and feel if they are comparable to the Aliaz switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and noise level.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, your decision will ultimately come down to your preferences in typing experience. If you value a heavier keystroke with a more pronounced tactile feedback in a quiet environment, the Aliaz switches with their 75-gram bottom out force and muted, silky feel may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke with a medium bottom out force and are not concerned about sound, the Cream Yellow switches could be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on the specific typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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