Gateron Aliaz vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh Sage offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Gateron Aliaz switch is a tactile option best suited for quiet environments such as the office. It provides a medium-heavy weight for each keystroke, giving a substantial feel and pronounced typing feedback without the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch is a clicky option that offers a sharp and crunchy typing experience. With a heavy weight and distinct clickiness, the Sage switch provides an invigorating feel for those who enjoy a more tactile sensation while typing. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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 the Kailh Sage both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Aliaz has a polycarbonate bottom housing while the Sage features a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Sage produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aliaz, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the Gateron Aliaz and Kailh Sage differ in their bottom housing material. The split between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing in the Sage allows for a unique sound experience when typing. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing in both switches gives a sharp and crisp sound profile, but the softer nylon bottom housing in the Sage contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in housing materials showcases how different plastics can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the housing materials in the Gateron Aliaz and Kailh Sage switches are distributed between the top and bottom parts of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials, with the Aliaz focusing on clarity and resonance with polycarbonate, and the Sage delivering a deeper sound profile with its nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a noticeably heavier actuation force compared to the Kailh Sage clicky switch. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of force to actuate, while the Sage does not have a specified actuation force. When it comes to bottom out force, the Aliaz requires 75 grams of force, which is heavier than the Sage's 70 grams. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Sage for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Aliaz. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is clear that the Aliaz has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Sage's 3.6 mm. The Aliaz offers a deeper key press experience, while the Sage provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sage for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Aliaz. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, with the Aliaz providing a longer travel distance and the Sage offering a shorter travel distance for a more snappy key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Aliaz switch boasts a muted typing experience, perfect for quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch delivers a crunchy clicky sound that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Aliaz will provide a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the Sage.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch offers a silky and polished typing sensation, giving a smooth and refined keypress with reduced friction. In contrast, the Kailh Sage switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback with a pronounced and high feedback intensity. Both switches offer a tactile experience, with the Aliaz focusing on smoothness and the Sage emphasizing a snappy and reactive feel.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz switch is tailored for those who prefer a more subdued and refined typing experience, perfect for quiet environments where noise is a concern. Conversely, the Kailh Sage switch is geared towards individuals seeking a more pronounced and clicky typing feedback, ideal for those who enjoy a crisp and crunchy sound with each keypress. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you need a quiet option for the office or shared spaces, the Aliaz would be a great choice with its muted sound and smooth, polished feel. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct clicky typing experience with a sharp tactile bump, the Sage switch would be the way to go. The invigorating and crunchy sound and feel of the Sage may be more suited to a personal or gaming setup where noise is not a concern. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel and sound will guide you towards the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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