Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, one might come across the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch. The Aliaz switches are favored for their quiet design, perfect for office settings, and offer a medium-heavy weight that provides a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Lotus switches are known for their smooth linear action, making them a preferred choice for gamers seeking quick and precise keystrokes. While the Aliaz switch is categorized as ['Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished'], the Lotus switch does not fall into any specific category. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Lotus, we can see that they both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Lotus uses a nylon top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate material in the Aliaz creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon material in the Lotus elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The Aliaz's polycarbonate material is stiffer, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound, whereas the Lotus's nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
One key difference between the two housing materials is their impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Aliaz's polycarbonate housing affects both the bottom-out sound and the sound when a key is released, due to its stiffness and clarity. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Aliaz switches.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Lotus differ in terms of stiffness and sound profile, both ultimately provide unique typing experiences. The stiffer polycarbonate material in the Aliaz produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the softer nylon material in the Lotus offers a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing feel and sound, catering to different preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials will depend on the individual's preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a significantly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Lotus linear switch. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 75 grams to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Lotus only requires 35 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option that may be more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. The actuation force and bottom out force of these two switches offer distinct options for users based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, we can see that the Aliaz has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Lotus has a shorter keypress distance compared to the Aliaz. The Aliaz with its 4 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Lotus with its 3.3 mm travel distance provides a shallower keypress, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Lotus 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, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches. On the other hand, information on the sound characteristics of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is not available. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key presses with minimal resistance. This enhances the overall typing feel and provides a refined typing experience. Unfortunately, details about the tactile feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch are currently unavailable.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch stands out for its quiet and substantial typing experience, ideal for office environments or users who prefer a more pronounced feedback without the noise. With its smooth and refined feel, it offers a premium typing experience. While information on the Outemu Lotus linear switch is limited, if we consider similar parameters, you can expect to achieve a comparable level of confidentiality and smoothness with this switch as well. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a heavier bottom out force that is suitable for quiet environments like the office, then the Gateron Aliaz would be a great choice for you. The Aliaz switches offer a medium-heavy weight, providing a substantial feel to each keystroke while remaining silent. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear switch, the Outemu Lotus would be more suitable. The Lotus switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience without any specific sound description. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for weight, noise level, and tactile versus linear feel.
Mentioned in this article
