Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Green mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they both offer unique features suited for different preferences. The Gateron Aliaz is a tactile switch known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for office environments. With a medium-heavy weight and a pronounced typing feedback, the Aliaz provides a satisfying typing experience without the noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is a linear switch that lacks specific defining characteristics. While both switches offer their own advantages, such as the Aliaz's quiet operation and the Silent Green's linear feel, it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two. 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
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
Polycarbonate
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 Silent Green switches are both made of polycarbonate, which gives them a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that leads to clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. Both switches will provide a similar sound experience due to their shared housing material, offering a satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate a sharp and precise sound profile.
While both the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Green switches feature the same polycarbonate material for their top and bottom housing, the qualities of this material will have different impacts depending on the housing position. The bottom housing of a switch will have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing will be more prominent in determining the sound when a key is released. This split between the top and bottom housing allows users to experience different aspects of the polycarbonate material in each phase of typing, providing a unique tactile experience for typists who enjoy responsive switches.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the housing of both the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Silent Green switches contributes to their distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by each keystroke. Additionally, the translucency of the material allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the typing experience. Whether it's the bottom-out sound and feel or the sound when releasing a key, users can appreciate the different impacts of the top and bottom housing on the overall typing experience provided by these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Green has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Aliaz. The Aliaz requires a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Green has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a preferred choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the two switches, it is evident that they offer the same experience in terms of key travel distance. This means that users can expect a consistent feel when pressing down on keys with either switch. The similarity in travel distance between the Aliaz and Silent Green switches ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feedback and overall typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a 4 mm travel distance, providing users with a comfortable typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Silent 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
Based on the information provided, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience in an office setting, with a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. The switch offers a muted sound profile, minimizing noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have specific descriptions for sound or feel provided in the information. However, linear switches are known for their consistent keystrokes without tactile feedback, which can result in a quieter typing experience compared to tactile switches. It is important to note that sound and feel can also vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a quiet switch with a medium-heavy weight and a smooth typing experience, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch would be a suitable choice. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Silent Green switch are not mentioned, linear switches generally provide a quieter typing experience without tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in terms of noise reduction, depending on personal preference for tactile feedback and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you require a quiet typing experience for an office setting or prefer a medium-heavy key press with a substantial feel, the Aliaz switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter key press with a medium bottom out force and do not require a silent operation, the Outemu Silent Green switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, noise level, and desired key weight. Choose the switch that best complements your typing style and environment to enhance your overall typing experience.