Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it's important to consider their distinct characteristics. The Aliaz switch is ideal for quiet environments such as the office, thanks to its silent design and medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. This makes it a great option for those who enjoy a pronounced typing feedback without the noise, as it is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch is categorized as clicky, offering a satisfying audible click with each press, although it lacks specific notable features. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, delving deeper into the unique attributes of each switch will ultimately allow you to determine the best fit for your preferences and typing needs.
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
1.80 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 Gold both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing for a visually appealing effect. While both switches share this similar top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials.
In contrast, the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the same sharp, high-pitched sound profile as its top housing. The stiffer plastic of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound even when bottoming out keys. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material for the bottom housing.
Overall, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of a switch. While both the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Gold share polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, their differences in bottom housing materials lead to variations in sound profiles. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when bottoming out keys, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Understanding the properties of these housing materials can help enthusiasts choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In comparison, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a tactile feedback, but the Aliaz requires more force to activate compared to the Gold switch. If you prefer a heavier typing experience, the Aliaz would be the better choice, while the Outemu Gold switch would be preferred for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it can be noted that their travel distances are the same, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Aliaz or the Gold switch, you can expect a similar feel and response when typing. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a standard typing experience with a 4 mm 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 Gold 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 its muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes it ideal for environments like offices where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is not available. It is important to note that the actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz is renowned for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth and refined keypresses with reduced friction. This results in a sleek and comfortable typing feel, making it a popular choice among users who prioritize typing comfort. On the contrary, information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is not provided.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch stands out for its quiet and substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, making it a suitable option for those who prefer tactile feedback without the noise. However, the Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks information on its sound and feel qualities, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. In general, when choosing between switches with similar characteristics such as tactile feedback and actuation force, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Gold switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and other subjective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Outemu Gold clicky switch, you should opt for the Aliaz if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a substantial feel and prefer a quieter typing experience suited for office environments. The Aliaz offers a muted sound and a silky, polished feel for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clicky typing experience, the Outemu Gold switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound level, and typing environment. Choose wisely based on what aligns best with your typing style.
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