Gateron Aliaz vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Phoenix, a clicky switch, offer distinct qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Aliaz switches are ideal for quiet environments such as the office, providing a medium-heavy weight for a substantial feel with each keystroke. They offer a muted and polished typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a pronounced feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Phoenix switches stand out for their unique under-skirt click mechanism, offering a crystalline and sparkling typing feel and sound profile. Classified as crunchy and polished, these switches provide an unmatched tactile and auditory experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Phoenix switches are quite similar, as both utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is chosen for its stiffness, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other plastics. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the housing for a visually appealing effect. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sound profile and aesthetic when using either switch due to the shared polycarbonate housing materials.
However, despite both switches using polycarbonate for their housing materials, there may still be subtle differences in sound and feel. The Aliaz and Phoenix switches may have variations in the thickness or design of their housings, leading to slight differences in the overall sound profile when typing. These nuances in construction can affect the overall typing experience, with some users preferring the feel of one switch over the other. It's important for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to test out different switches to find the one that best suits their preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall performance.
Ultimately, when comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Phoenix switches, it is clear that both switches prioritize a sharp, high-pitched sound profile and crisp tactile feedback. The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings ensures consistency in sound and aesthetics, making them both viable options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a quality typing experience. Whether one prefers the Aliaz or Phoenix switch may come down to personal preference in terms of subtle variations in sound, feel, or design, but both switches offer a premium typing experience with their polycarbonate housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, we can see a notable difference in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Aliaz has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Phoenix which has an unknown actuation force. This means that the Aliaz requires more force to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the Phoenix has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Aliaz has a bottom out force of 75 grams. This indicates that the Aliaz is heavier to press all the way down than the Phoenix. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Phoenix, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Aliaz. Overall, weight is an essential factor to consider when choosing between these switches, as it can greatly impact the typing experience in terms of comfort and endurance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Aliaz has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Phoenix. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who are sensitive to key travel, it can make a noticeable impact on typing or gaming experience. Players looking for a snappier response might prefer the shorter travel distance of the Phoenix, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Aliaz. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 will provide a muted typing experience, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch will offer a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch will offer a silky and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and refined feel to each keystroke. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring a sleek key travel. Similarly, the Phoenix switch is also described as polished, indicating a refined finish that promotes reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy weight and a quiet sound profile, the Gateron Aliaz switch would be the way to go. However, if you are looking for a unique clicky switch with a crystalline sound and a polished feel, the Outemu Phoenix switch would be the better choice. Keep in mind that both switches offer a smooth typing experience, although the Aliaz is more tailored towards a silent environment while the Phoenix provides a distinctive clicky sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet switch option with a medium-heavy weight and a smooth typing experience, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch would be a great choice, especially for office environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique click mechanism with a lighter bottom out force and a crunchy sound profile, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch would be the way to go. Consider your preferences for noise level, typing feedback, and overall feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and Outemu Phoenix will depend on your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard.
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