Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Ocean, also a tactile switch. The Gateron Aliaz switches are perfect for quiet environments such as offices, boasting a silent design that won't disturb coworkers. With a medium-heavy weight, they provide a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience without the noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean switch does not have a standout feature but is still a dependable option. While the Aliaz offers a 'Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished' typing experience, the Ocean's characteristics are not mentioned. However, let's delve deeper beyond these general descriptions to help you make the most informed decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Ocean switches share similarities when it comes to the polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal. While both switches may offer similar acoustics and aesthetics with their polycarbonate top housing, their differences lie in the bottom housing material.
In contrast to the shared polycarbonate top housing, the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Ocean switches diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to the overall sound profile and feel when bottoming out a key. On the other hand, the Ocean utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. These differences in bottom housing material can significantly impact the typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
Overall, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of mechanical keyboard switches like the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Ocean. While both switches benefit from the sharp and crisp sound profile provided by their polycarbonate top housing, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a distinct feel when bottoming out keys, contrasting with the deeper and fuller sound produced by the Ocean's nylon bottom housing. Understanding how these materials interact with keypresses can help users choose a switch that aligns with their preferred typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch reveals some interesting differences. The Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Ocean's lighter 55 grams. Additionally, the Aliaz has a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Ocean's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may be more inclined to choose the Ocean switch for a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods of time. Conversely, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Aliaz switch with its heavier forces. In terms of overall weight, the Aliaz is the heavier option, providing a more robust typing experience, while the Ocean offers a lighter touch for prolonged use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This can provide a consistent typing experience across both switches, as you won't have to adjust to different travel distances between the two. So, whether you choose the Aliaz or the Ocean switch, you can expect similar results 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 Ocean 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 well-known for its muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is currently unknown. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's build quality, keycaps, and overall setup.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and refined keypress with minimal resistance. This smoothness enhances the overall typing feel and reduces friction, resulting in a comfortable typing experience. Unfortunately, information about the tactile feel of the Outemu Ocean switch is not available at this time.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch stands out for its quiet operation and smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who value a tactile feedback without the noise. While the Outemu Ocean switch may offer similar qualities, the lack of available information makes it difficult to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and other factors such as price and availability.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you need a switch that is tailored for quiet spaces like the office, offers a medium-heavy weight for a substantial typing feel, and produces a muted sound, then the Aliaz switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a unique feel and sound profile that is not available in the Ocean switch, your best bet would be to go with the Aliaz switch. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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