Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Dustproof Green mechanical keyboard switches, one notable difference becomes apparent right away - the Aliaz is a tactile switch designed for quiet environments like the office, while the Dustproof Green is a clicky switch. The Aliaz switches offer a medium-heavy weight, providing a substantial feel to each keystroke and a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green switch lacks a specific standout feature, but is generally known for its clicky sound. The Aliaz is best suited for those who prioritize a silent typing experience, while the Dustproof Green is ideal for individuals who enjoy the auditory feedback of a clicky switch. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Dustproof Green, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for achieving clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing aspect to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits from both the Aliaz and Dustproof Green switches when it comes to their top housing material.
However, a noticeable point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing material. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the top housing to provide a consistent and well-rounded sound profile. In contrast, the Dustproof Green utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience on the Dustproof Green switches.
It is important to consider how the top and bottom housing materials of a switch impact the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound emitted when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of different materials in the housing of a switch can result in a unique and versatile typing experience, showcasing the importance of both the top and bottom housing materials in determining the sound profile and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, the Aliaz has a lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Dustproof Green's 65 grams. Both switches have heavy bottom out forces, with the Aliaz at 75 grams and the Dustproof Green at 80 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Aliaz may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch during extended typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier actuation force of the Dustproof Green provides a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a tactile feel, but the Aliaz may be slightly more comfortable for longer periods of use due to its lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel before the key actuates. While the travel distance is the same for both switches, they differ in their tactility and sound profile. The Gateron Aliaz offers a smooth tactile feedback, making it ideal for typing enthusiasts who prefer a more subtle typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green provides a clicky feedback with an audible sound, catering to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile and auditory experience while typing. Despite the differences in their tactile and auditory characteristics, the travel distance remains consistent, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of keystroke feel when using either switch.
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 Dustproof Green 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 sound profile, perfect for quiet environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch's sound profile is unavailable. Both switches will provide different auditory experiences, with the Aliaz offering a softer and quieter typing sound compared to the potentially clickier Dustproof Green switch.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is praised for its silky and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Green switch. If you are looking for a switch that offers a premium typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, the Aliaz switch would be a great choice.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switch is designed for quieter environments with a medium-heavy weight and a silky, polished feel, while the Dustproof Green switch has a clicky sound profile and its feel remains unknown. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet switch tailored for office environments with a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a heavier bottom out force and are not concerned about noise levels, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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