Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a tactile typing experience suitable for quiet environments. The Aliaz switch is praised for its medium-heavy weight, providing a substantial feel to each keystroke while maintaining a silent design, making it ideal for office settings. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch features a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump, offering a satisfying "thocky" sound with each press. While both switches cater to those seeking a tactile typing experience, the Aliaz is known for its muted and polished feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade delivers a more pronounced 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is clear that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, both switches share similar characteristics in terms of utilizing different materials for their top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aliaz provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz contributes to a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound profile. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials.
In considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes evident that the properties of each material play a significant role in determining the switch's performance. The qualities of the bottom housing are more pronounced during a key press, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Despite the differences between polycarbonate and nylon in terms of stiffness and sound absorption, both materials contribute to the overall typing experience in their respective switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade will come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Aliaz is the heavier option. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Aliaz requires more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. This means that the Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, perfect for those who prefer heavier forces. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a lighter typing experience which allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it a great option for work or gaming sessions that require extended use.Both switches provide tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, making them suitable for those looking for a more discreet keyboard option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Aliaz. Both switches offer a different experience in terms of travel distance, so it ultimately depends on personal preference. The shorter travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may provide a quicker key press, while the longer travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz may offer a more satisfying feel to some 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 Yellow Jade 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 offers a muted typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is known for its "thocky" sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. While the Aliaz switch focuses on creating a quieter environment for users, the Silent Yellow Jade switch aims to offer a unique sound profile that some users may find more enjoyable.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Aliaz provides a silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction. This results in a refined and sleek typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. In comparison, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is unknown, but given its tactile nature and factory-lubed design, users can expect a smooth and consistent typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switch is best suited for those looking for a medium-heavy weight switch with a quieter sound profile and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch caters to users seeking a tactile switch with a unique "thocky" sound and a satisfying tactile bump. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you should consider the environment and your personal typing preferences. If you work in a quiet office or prefer a heavier keystroke, the Aliaz switch with its 75g bottom out force and muted sound may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a "thocky" sound and a slightly lighter 65g bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is a great option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so ultimately, it comes down to your individual preference and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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