Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Grey mechanical keyboard switches, both are tactile switches designed for a quieter typing experience. The Gateron Aliaz is celebrated for its medium-heavy weight, offering a substantial feel with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey provides a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, perfect for those seeking a satisfying and quiet typing experience. While both switches cater to those looking for a quieter option, they differ in their weight and level of tactile feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Grey switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the illumination to shine through. On the other hand, the Aliaz has a polycarbonate bottom housing, continuing the trend of a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Silent Grey utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound experience. The contrasting materials used in the bottom housing of these switches contribute to the overall sound and feel when typing.
While both switches share similar qualities in their top housings, the difference in their bottom housings provides a distinct typing experience for users. The Aliaz's combination of polycarbonate top and bottom housings result in a clear, sharp sound when typing, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. Despite these differences, both switches excel in providing a unique typing experience that caters to individual preferences in sound and feel.
In terms of design and functionality, the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Grey switches highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a sharper and crisper sound, with the Aliaz further enhancing this with a polycarbonate bottom housing. On the other hand, the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing offers a different sound profile that may appeal to those looking for a deeper and fuller typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Aliaz is heavier in both aspects. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Aliaz requires more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Silent Grey. In terms of weight, some may prefer the lighter Silent Grey due to its slightly lesser force requirements for a more extended typing period, while others may opt for the heavier Aliaz for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these switches, it is clear that you will get a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Aliaz or the Silent Grey, you can expect consistent tactile feedback and keypress depth. In terms of travel distance, these two switches are on par with each other, offering a similar typing experience for users.
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 Grey 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 switch is known for its muted characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch does not have a specific sound description provided, suggesting it may have a similar quiet profile to the Aliaz. However, it's important to note that sound perception can vary based on factors like keyboard build and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced resistance when pressing keys. This makes for a refined and comfortable typing feel for those seeking a smooth keystroke. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel description provided for the Outemu Silent Grey switch. Based on the lack of information, it is challenging to directly compare the tactile feel of the two switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Silent Grey switches both excel in providing a quiet typing experience, making them suitable for office environments or shared spaces. While the Aliaz switch is praised for its medium-heavy weight and pronounced typing feedback, the Silent Grey switch offers a highly tactile experience with a satisfying bump and smooth keystroke. Both switches cater to those looking for a tactile option without the loud click of traditional mechanical switches. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for feel and sound, as well as factors like board configuration and keycap choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a heavier bottom out force and a more substantial typing feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches would be a great choice, especially in a quiet office setting. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Outemu Silent Grey switches would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches should be based on your preference for weight and tactility, as well as the specific environment in which you will be using your keyboard.
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