Gateron Aliaz vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and SP-Star Polaris Gray offer unique experiences for typists. The Gateron Aliaz is a tactile switch that is designed for quiet environments like the office, ensuring that keystrokes are silent while still providing a medium-heavy weight for a substantial feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray is a linear switch that offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. While the Aliaz switch is characterized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Polaris Gray switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Aliaz being ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, and the Polaris Gray being perfect for those who enjoy a bouncy typing 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Gateron Aliaz and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches are both made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for being relatively stiff, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better utilization of RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their keyboard aesthetics with colorful lighting effects. Both switches offer a similar sound and feel due to their shared polycarbonate housing materials.
However, despite the similarities in housing materials, the design and construction of the top and bottom housings may vary between the Gateron Aliaz and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches. The top housing is responsible for influencing the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing affects the overall bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This means that if the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the qualities of each housing material will be distinct and noticeable during key press and release actions. It is essential to consider how the distribution of housing materials may impact the overall typing experience with these switches.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Aliaz and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches utilize polycarbonate for their housing materials, the distribution of these materials between the top and bottom housings may vary. Both switches offer a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile and clear resonance characteristic of polycarbonate. The translucency of this material enhances RGB lighting effects, making these switches visually appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts. Understanding the influence of housing materials on sound and feel can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz has a higher actuation force of 60 grams, which is heavier compared to the Polaris Gray's unknown actuation force. The Aliaz also requires a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Polaris Gray has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Polaris Gray offers a slightly lighter touch. Depending on individual preference, some may prefer the lighter touch of the Polaris Gray for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier feel of the Aliaz for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This can result in a similar typing experience and feel for both switches, providing consistent feedback for users. Having the same travel distance can make it easier for users to switch between keyboards with these switches without having to adjust to a different feel. Overall, both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer a standard travel distance of 4 mm for a comfortable 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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, ideal for quiet environments like offices. This means that the sound produced by these switches is softer and more subtle compared to other mechanical switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with typing on a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch has a low-pitched and clean sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch is described as thocky, meaning it produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Aliaz being quieter and the Polaris Gray having a more prominent sound presence.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction when pressing and releasing keys. This results in an exceptionally smooth typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience for users who value smoothness and minimal resistance. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. Like the Aliaz, the Polaris Gray switch also features smooth key travel and reduced friction, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a focus on smoothness and ease of use.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz is best suited for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is perfect for users who enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. Both switches provide a polished and smooth typing feel, making them suitable for a variety of users and environments. Overall, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider the environment you'll be using the keyboard in and your preference for typing feedback. If you value a quiet typing experience and enjoy a substantial keystroke feel, the Aliaz would be a great choice, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switches are the way to go. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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