Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, one can see some distinct differences in their design and performance. The Aliaz is renowned for its silent operation, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices, while the Silent Ocean does not have a specific standout feature. The Aliaz offers a medium-heavy weight and a tactile feedback that is both smooth and polished, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience without the noise. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean provides a linear keypress without any tactile bump, offering a consistent and fluid typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Ocean both use polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing experience. However, both switches differ when it comes to their bottom housing material. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues to contribute to the sharp and resonant sound profile, while the Silent Ocean utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound.
The choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Ocean ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, which adds a sharp and crisp sound profile, the difference lies in their bottom housing material. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the clear and resonant sound, while the Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. When pressing down on these switches, the bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Ocean play a significant role in defining the sound profile and overall typing experience of these switches. The polycarbonate top housing common to both switches contributes to a sharp and resonant sound, with the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing amplifying these qualities, and the Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing adding a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Aliaz switch is heavier than the Silent Ocean switch. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a more substantial option for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Silent Ocean has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a smoother typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch. While both switches offer a tactile and silent typing experience, the Aliaz switch may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a heavier keypress, while the Silent Ocean switch is a better choice for those who prefer a lighter one. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being ideal for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom will be equal. This similarity implies that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance regardless of which switch is used. This can be beneficial for those who value uniformity in their keyboard layout. Ultimately, both the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Silent Ocean switches offer the same travel distance, providing users with a consistent typing experience.
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 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
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for office environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. The switch offers a medium-heavy weight, providing a satisfying and substantial feel to each key press, which can be appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the accompanying noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific information available about its sound qualities. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz is described as offering a silky and polished typing experience, indicating that the switch is exceptionally smooth and refined. This results in a sleek and frictionless typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. As for the Outemu Silent Ocean switch, there is no specific information available about its tactile feel characteristics.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz switch stands out for its quiet operation, weighty feel, silky smoothness, and polished finish, making it a great choice for those seeking a tactile switch with a refined typing experience. While the Outemu Silent Ocean switch may offer similar qualities, without specific information available, it is advisable to do further research or try the switches firsthand to determine if they meet your preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch tailored for quiet environments like the office with a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke, then the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a quieter sound profile, then the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound level, and environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
