Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Aliaz switch is a tactile option, known for its quiet design that is perfect for office settings. With a medium-heavy weight and a pronounced typing feedback, it provides a satisfying typing experience without the noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch with a smooth keystroke and no tactile bump, ideal for those who prefer a streamlined typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and reasons why you may choose them, 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
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a clear and resonant sound that is especially beneficial for switches used with RGB lighting. However, the Silent Yellow switches differ in their bottom housing material, utilizing nylon instead of polycarbonate. This choice of material gives the Silent Yellow switches a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate.
The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Aliaz switches ensures consistency in sound profile and feel throughout the keystroke. The stiffness of the polycarbonate material leads to a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on the keys, as well as when releasing them. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches present a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings, dividing the qualities of each material between the top and bottom of the switch. This results in a different sound experience for the Silent Yellow switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Silent Yellow switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is well-suited for RGB lighting. However, the difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches, with the Aliaz using polycarbonate and the Silent Yellow using nylon, provides a distinct typing experience with the Silent Yellow switches offering a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. Ultimately, users may prefer the clarity and resonance of the Aliaz switches or the deeper sound profile of the Silent Yellow switches based on their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Aliaz is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 60 grams compared to the 65 grams needed for the Silent Yellow. However, both switches have a heavy bottom out force, with the Aliaz at 75 grams and the Silent Yellow at 80 grams. This makes both switches suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel during typing. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Aliaz, making it more suitable for prolonged use, while the Silent Yellow may provide a more substantial and tactile typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing them, both switches offer a similar feel in terms of the distance you need to press down on a key. This means that whether you choose the Aliaz or the Silent Yellow switch, you can expect to get consistent results in terms of travel distance. This similarity allows for a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch you 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 Yellow 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 characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to louder switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch's sound profile is not specified, so it may offer a similar muted sound quality as the Aliaz or possibly even quieter. Ultimately, both switches are designed to minimize noise, making them suitable for settings where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz tactile switch is described as silky and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This results in a comfortable and seamless typing feel that enhances overall typing efficiency. The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have any specific feel descriptors provided, so it may offer a similar silky and polished typing experience like the Aliaz or potentially have different tactile characteristics.
Overall, both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch are excellent choices for individuals seeking a quieter typing experience with a smooth and refined feel. While the specifics of the Silent Yellow switch's sound and feel qualities are not explicitly mentioned, users can expect comparable results in terms of noise reduction and typing comfort when compared to the Aliaz switch. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for each individual user.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience and noise level. If you value a quiet environment and enjoy a medium-heavy weight switch with a substantial feel and pronounced feedback, the Aliaz may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience and a linear switch that is silent, the Outemu Silent Yellow could be the ideal option. Consider your personal preferences and typing habits to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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