Gateron Aliaz vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to weigh against each other are the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, a linear switch. The Aliaz switches are favored for their quiet operation, making them ideal for office settings, while also offering a medium-heavy weight that gives a satisfying typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches are known for their deep and thocky sound profile, creating an immersive typing experience with their bouncy feel. With a standard spring weight, they appeal to a wide range of users. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, but to make an informed decision for your specific needs and preferences, let's explore these switches in more detail.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
59g
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
Both the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it a popular choice for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of these switches. Overall, users can expect a similar auditory and visual experience from both the Aliaz and Tourmaline Blue switches due to their shared material composition.
However, despite the similarities in housing material, the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue may differ in the design and construction of their respective switches. The distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housing of a switch can impact the overall key feel and sound experience. For example, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. As a result, slight differences in the design of the switches may affect how they perform in terms of key press feedback and overall typing experience.
Ultimately, while both the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share the benefits of polycarbonate housing, individual preferences may come down to slight variations in design and construction. Users looking for a switch that provides a sharp, crisp sound profile with the added bonus of RGB lighting compatibility will find both options appealing. However, considerations such as key feel and sound distribution between the top and bottom housing may influence the decision between the two switches based on individual typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Aliaz is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Tourmaline Blue. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 75 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue only needs 59 grams to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option in comparison. This means that the Aliaz will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Tourmaline Blue will offer a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer sessions of typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the keys travel from the top to the bottom. This consistency in travel distance between the two switches allows for a consistent feel and performance while typing or gaming. Overall, users can expect a similar tactile experience when using either switch, as both offer a travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. While the Aliaz provides a more subdued typing sound suitable for quiet environments, the Tourmaline Blue offers a balanced sound profile that can cater to a wide range of users depending on personal preferences and the keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz tactile switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined keypress with reduced friction and resistance. On the contrary, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is characterized as buttery and easy-to-press, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation with minimal force required for key activation. Both switches offer a comfortable and pleasant typing experience, with the Aliaz emphasizing smoothness and the Tourmaline Blue focusing on a light and responsive feel.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table. While the Aliaz excels in providing a quiet and substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy weight, the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile coupled with a bouncy and easy-to-press feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing dynamics, both switches offer distinct advantages that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience. Whether you opt for the Aliaz or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you work in a quiet office setting and prefer a substantial feel with medium-heavy weight, the Aliaz switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel and standard spring weight, the Tourmaline Blue switch could be a better fit. Additionally, if you prefer a muted sound and silky, polished feel, the Aliaz switch may be more appealing, whereas if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a buttery, easy-to-press, mild feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch may be the one for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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