Gateron Aliaz vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and Durock Sea Glass switches offer unique typing experiences to suit different preferences. The Aliaz switch is tailored for quiet environments, providing a medium-heavy weight for a substantial feel with each keystroke and a more pronounced typing feedback without noise. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out with its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend that results in a distinct dry, wispy, and airy typing experience. Despite a 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches offer a weightless feel and a uniquely hollow sound signature. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that may appeal to different users depending on their preferences. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Sea Glass switches, it is evident that both switches utilize unique materials to achieve specific sound profiles. The Aliaz switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a sound profile that is described as pleasant and bright. While the Aliaz switch emphasizes clarity and resonance in its sound, the Sea Glass switch provides a softer and brighter tone.
When examining the bottom housings of these switches, similar contrasts can be seen. The Aliaz switch's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Sea Glass switch's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing offers a more unique and pleasant sound profile. Both switches showcase how different materials in the bottom housing can impact the bottom-out sound and feel of a keystroke. However, the Aliaz switch may provide a slightly sharper impact due to polycarbonate's stiffness, while the Sea Glass switch could offer a softer and more pleasant bottom-out experience.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Sea Glass switches demonstrate how housing materials play a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard. While the Aliaz switch relies on the stiffness of polycarbonate for a sharper sound, the Sea Glass switch utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for a brighter and more pleasant sound. Both switches highlight the importance of top and bottom housing materials in achieving specific sound profiles and tactile feedback, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the Aliaz requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Sea Glass's lighter 45 grams. Similarly, the Aliaz has a heavier bottom out force of 75 grams compared to the Sea Glass's 62 grams. This means that the Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Sea Glass offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches excel in their respective weight categories, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within a typical range of travel distances, with the Aliaz being slightly longer than the Sea Glass. The difference of 0.2 mm is relatively small but can be noticeable to some users, especially those who prefer a more pronounced keypress feel. Gamers may lean towards the Sea Glass for its slightly shorter travel distance, offering quicker response times. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper keypress experience may find the Aliaz more satisfying. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with nuanced distinctions in travel distance to cater to different preferences.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature. While both switches aim to provide a quieter typing experience, the Aliaz switch is likely to have a more subdued sound overall compared to the distinct sound profile of the Sea Glass switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is noted for its frictionless and feathery feel, providing an extremely smooth and light typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Both switches prioritize smoothness in their typing feel, but the Sea Glass switch leans towards a lighter actuation force and a more effortless typing experience compared to the Aliaz switch.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switch provides a medium-heavy weight and a more pronounced typing feedback with a muted sound profile, suitable for those who prefer a substantial feel to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series stands out with its pastel colors and a unique dry, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience, offering a weightless and frictionless feel with a distinctly hollow sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference, whether you prioritize a smooth and polished typing experience with the Aliaz or a feathery and frictionless feel with the Sea Glass.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you're in a quiet office setting and prefer a medium-heavy keystroke feel with a more pronounced typing feedback, the Aliaz switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a unique typing experience with a distinct dryness and airiness, along with a weightless feel that defies expectations, the Sea Glass switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience should guide your decision in selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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