Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Silver, a linear switch, it's clear that each has its unique strengths and characteristics. The Aliaz switches are ideal for quiet environments such as the office, thanks to their silent design and medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial typing feel. Their tactile feedback is pronounced, making them a great choice for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience without the noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switches offer a linear keypress with no tactile bump, making them smooth and consistent for rapid typing and gaming. While the Aliaz excels in providing a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Silver is preferred for its linear feel and responsiveness. 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
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 Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Silver switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, both switches produce a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, making it a versatile choice for those looking to customize their keyboard aesthetics.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Aliaz uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Silver utilizes nylon. The use of nylon in the Silver switch creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Silver switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches offer a sharp and clear sound due to their polycarbonate top housing, the Aliaz's bottom housing provides a more resonant feel, while the Silver's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer a crisp and sharp sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Silver's lighter 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aliaz again requires more force at 75 grams compared to the Silver at 65 grams. This means that the Aliaz provides a heavier typing experience overall, perfect for those who prefer a more substantial push feel. On the other hand, the Silver offers a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, making it ideal for users looking for a smoother and easier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding typing weight and feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When typing on either of these switches, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This means that the tactile feedback of the Aliaz and the smooth linear action of the Silver will provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance. So, whether you prefer the tactile feel of the Aliaz or the linear feel of the Silver, you can be assured that the travel distance will remain the same for both switches.
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 Silver 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 muted sound profile, making it an ideal choice for quieter environments such as offices where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound characteristics are not specified, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the Aliaz switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined keypress with reduced friction. In contrast, the tactile qualities of the Outemu Silver switch are not provided, making it challenging to assess its feel in comparison to the Aliaz. Overall, if you prefer a switch that provides a substantial feel with quiet operation, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you lean towards a linear switch with an unknown feel, you might get similar results to the Aliaz depending on your personal typing preferences and setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the environment you will be using the keyboard in and your preference for typing feedback. If you work in a quiet office setting and enjoy a substantial and pronounced typing experience, the Aliaz switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy keypress with a smoother typing feel and minimal noise, the Outemu Silver switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of environment you will be using your keyboard in.
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