Aula reaper gateron blue switch review
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Aula recently contacted me to review their Aula Wings of Liberty Mechanical Keyboard. As a keyboard junky, I was thrilled at the prospect and had thought about buying a keyboard with Kailh switches in the past just to test it out. After contacting Aula’s rep, I learned that Aula makes their own “Aula” switches in the same city that Kailh mechanical switches are produced. Having peeked my curiosity even further, I accepted the product sample. Show
About Aula The Aula Wings of Liberty Mechanical is one of more than a dozen mechanical keyboards which I’ve seen on the Aula website. In addition, the Chinese manufacturer makes gaming mice, headsets, and mouse pads. Aula vs Kailh vs Cherry MX Mechanical SwitchesClearly the market for mechanical keyboards is getting more complicated. Having not tried every Kailh and Aula switch, it’s hard for me to make a full comparison. Are Kailh and Aula trying to copy German manufacturer Cherry MX? Definitely, and from what I’ve seen they’ve done a good job of it. Are the switches identical? In my opinion, no. That being said some may like some of the differences between the various Chinese-manufactured mechanical switches. Razer, Now using Orange and Green Switches from Kailh How’s the quality? Even mainstream gaming manufacturer Razer is using a green switch designed by Kailh in their BlackWidow design. Anandtech does a good job of explaining exactly what Razer’s Orange and Green Kailh switches do, but this still leaves us with only so much information. No one can blame Razer for trying to use Kailh as a source for mechanical switches as German manufacturer Cherry often is unable to cover the demand for mechanical switches. From what I’ve seen Razer’s new green Kailh switches feel very similar to MX blues. My guess, is that Razer made sure of this before hopping on the bandwagon. Despite changing to what is certainly a cheaper switch the Razer Blackwidow still retails for around $119. For other so-called clone switches, this spreadsheet does a good job with comparing them. How does this compare to Aula’s switches? Hopefully, as I run the Wings of Liberty Mechanical keyboard through the hoops, I’ll be able to provide some insight. For just under $50 the Aula Wings of Liberty Mechanical Keyboard offers the average gamer a mechanical key experience at a fraction of the cost of Cherry’s MX Blue keys. The keyboard includes no frills like a volume nob or extra G-keys. Certainly this was done to keep the cost down as much as possible. It’s simple and even includes a large-sized enter button like keyboards of old. The switches themselves are covered with a silicone anti-spill gel membrane on every switch for dust and water resistance. Speaking of keyboards of old, this one may remind you of the typing experience you once had on an old classic IBM mechanical keyboard. It does feel and even look a little bit like that. Aula uses a reinforced metal plate on the back which makes the keyboard fairly heavy at around 2.6 pounds. As for color the white looks good on some desks and horrible on others so be sure to keep that in mind before pulling the trigger. Of course, Aula does have keyboards that come in other colors. As for color, the white looks good on some desks and horrible on others so be sure to keep that in mind before pulling the trigger. Of course, Aula does have other mechanical keyboard options. Comparing Cherry MX Blues to Aula Blues As for typing, I can say that overall it wasn’t bad. Is it as consistent as typing on a keyboard with Cherry MX Blue keys? I’d have to say no. For whatever reason, it felt quite a bit more stiff and the keys didn’t feel as uniform throughout. Tactile feedback felt at least as loud or louder than other MX Blues I’ve used. You can see it compared to the MX Browns in my video. For lifespan, Aula claims that its switches have a 60 million keystroke lifespan or 10M more than the MX Blue competitor. So far, I haven’t see this verified by an outside source. Final Thoughts: Overall, I’m cautiously optimistic about the Aula Wings of liberty mechanical keyboard as a budget mechanical keyboard option. Would I still rather have Cherry MX Blues? Yes. Do I think the Aula keyboard is a good alternative? For many it will be. I might have to write a budget mechanical keyboard list as an alternative to our top mechanical keyboards review for keyboards just like this one. If you're a seasoned keyboard enthusiast, you've probably heard of the Gateron switches, they are known for their smooth feel. There are many types of Gateron switches, each with its own unique features and typing experiences to meet different user needs. In this article, I dive into an in-depth review of features to consider for when choosing a type of Gateron switch. We will be looking at Gateron’s currently available selection and their most popular switches on the market today. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will feel equipped and confident in your choice of picking the best-fitting Gateron switches for your next keyboard build. Table of Contents
Characteristics of the Gateron SwitchesThe Gateron switch is known for its premium quality, budget-friendly price range, smoothness, and much more. The silky smoothness is Gateron switches’ main characteristic. From clicky to linear, even their optical switches, are developed to have Gateron’s signature silky smooth feel for a very affordable price. If you enjoy a smooth and natural typing experience, then the Gateron switch is a must-have. What kinds of Gateron Switches are available?Gateron offers a comprehensive switch lineup, including regular switches, Silent switches, Milk switches, Ink switches, Cap switches, Low Profile switches, Optical switches, and more. Their switches are currently quite popular on the market. Let's start by discussing regular switches and the other switches you can buy from Gateron in the section below. Gateron Switches IntroductionGateron Regular SwitchesColorTypeOperation forcePre-travelTravel distanceSound levelFeelRed SwitchLinear45±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowLight pressing force, no bumpBrown SwitchTactile55±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.MediumMedium pressing force, tactile bumpBlue SwitchClicky60±15 gf2.3±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LoudMedium pressing force, tactile bumpBlack SwitchLinear60±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowStrong pressing force, no bumpYellow SwitchLinear50±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowMedium pressing force, no bumpGreen SwitchClicky80±15 gf2.3±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LoudThe strongest pressing force, tactile bumpWhite/Clear SwitchLinear35±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowThe lightest pressing force, no bump The Gateron Regular Switches are composed of the standard Gateron Red, Gateron Blue, Gateron Brown, and so on. Gateron switches and Cherry MX switches are very close in typing feel. They both also have an analogous operation force and travel distance. Though similar, Gateron has optimized some subtle aspects to bring a richer typing experience. For example, Gateron’s white switch has a lighter pressing force in comparison to the Cherry clear switch. They are a good fit for someone who types lightly. Plus, Gateron’s main switches have an operation force range of 35 gf to 80 gf to accommodate various switch triggering feel preferences. New Gateron SwitchColorTypeOperation forcePre-travelTravel distanceSound levelFeelOil King SwitchLinear55±5 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowStrong pressing force, no bumpKangaroo Switch - 59 gfTactile59±15 gf1.5±0.5 mm3.5 mm Max.MediumModerate pressing force, crisp bump but not too stiffKangaroo Switch - 63 gfTactile63±15 gf1.5±0.5 mm3.5 mm Max.MediumModerate pressing force, crisp bump but not too stiffCJ SwitchLinear50±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowModerate pressing force, no bumpNorth Pole - Yellow SwitchLinear50±10 gf2.0±0.5 mm3.8 mm Max.LowMedium pressing force, no bumpNorth Pole - Box Red SwitchLinear45±10 gf2.3±0.5 mm4.0 mm Max.LowMedium pressing force, no bumpNorth Pole - Box Silver SwitchLinear43±10 gf1.2±0.3 mm3.4+0/-0.4 mmLowLight pressing force, no bumpBaby Kangaroo SwitchTactile59±8 gf2.0±0.5 mm3.4+0/-0.4 mmMediumTactile feeling ahead, crisp bump In addition to the switches above, Gateron has also developed many other switches in the past two years, like the Oil King switch, Kangaroo switch, CJ switch, and North Pole switch. The Oil King switch is a factory pre-lubed switch that is popular for its super smooth feel and deep patch sounds. The Kangaroo switch is a tactile switch with an Ink material housing that provides two operation force options: 59 gf and 63 gf. The CJ switches are short for "China Joy", which refers to the digital entertainment expo, and their linear feel is very sought after by fans. The North Pole switch features a fully transparent switch. If you are an RGB fan, this is definitely a must-try! Recently, Gateron also released a new variant of their tactile switch - the baby kangaroo switch. Its crisp bump and tactile feel attract many tactile switch lovers. Gateron Silent SwitchColorTypeOperation forcePre-travelTravel distanceSound levelFeelSilent Black Linear60±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.SilentStrong pressing force, no bump, rubbery feedbackSilent RedLinear45±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.SilentLight pressing force, no bump, rubbery feedbackSilent YellowLinear50±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.SilentMedium pressing force, no bump, rubbery feedbackSilent BrownTactile55±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.SilentMedium pressing force, tactile bump, rubbery feedbackSilent WhiteLinear38±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.SilentLight pressing force, no bump, rubbery feedback The Gateron Silent switch is a special switch with a low audible level. Unlike the regular switch, These switches are engineered with a cushioned muffler pad on the top and bottom of the stem to reduce noise. Currently, Gateron has five silent options available: Black, Red, Yellow, Brown, and White. They’re great for gaming and office work. You can browse the different silent switch options here. Gateron Ink SwitchColorTypeOperation forcePre-travelTravel distanceSound levelFeelInk Black Linear60±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowStrong pressing force, no bumpInk RedLinear45±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowLight pressing force, no bumpInk BlueLinear75±15 gf2.3±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LoudMedium pressing force, tactile bumpInk YellowTactile60±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm3.4 mm Max.LowMedium pressing force, no bump These premium Gateron switches, known as the "Gateron Ink switches" got their name from their transparent smokey housing. Different from other switches, the Ink switches have more advanced materials, a lower pitch sound, and a smoother feel. If you have the resources and want some unique colorful switches, the Ink switch is a great option and good for typing and programming. Gateron Cap SwitchColorTypeOperation forcePre-travelTravel distanceSound levelFeelMilky YellowLinear50±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowMedium pressing force, no bumpGolden YellowLinear50±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowMedium pressing force, no bumpMilky BrownTactile55±15 gf2.3±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.MediumMedium pressing force, lightly tactile bumpGolden BrownTactile55±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm3.4 mm Max.MediumMedium pressing force, lightly tactile bumpCap RedLinear45±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowLight pressing force, no bump, rubbery feedbackCap BlueLinear60±10 gf2.3±0.5 mm4.0 mm Max.LoudMedium pressing force, tactile bumpCap BrownTactile55±10 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.MediumMedium pressing force, lightly tactile bump The Cap switch is a new switch from Gateron. The special "Cap" structure of its stem makes it smoother and more natural when pressed. The enlarged switch post also makes it more stable with almost no wobbliness. They are available in seven color variants such as Milky Yellow, Golden Yellow, Milk Brown, Golden Brown, Red, Green, and Brown. They can be used for typing, gaming, and daily office use. Want more Cap switches? Click here The center pole of the cap switch has a big hole. Gateron Milk SwitchColorTypeOperation forcePre-travelTravel distanceSound levelFeelRed SwitchLinear45±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowLight pressing force, no bumpBrown SwitchTactile55±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.MediumMedium pressing force, tactile bumpBlue SwitchClicky60±15 gf2.3±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LoudMedium pressing force, tactile bumpBlack SwitchLinear60±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowStrong pressing force, no bumpYellow SwitchLinear50±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowMedium pressing force, no bumpGreen SwitchClicky80±15 gf2.3±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LoudThe strongest pressing force, tactile bumpWhite SwitchLinear35±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowThe lightest pressing force, no bump The Gateron Milk switches in the KS-3 series are crafted with a milky white housing. They are very similar to the regular switches and have the same stem colors, operation force, and travel distance. These milky housings can diffuse the RGB light and reduce the glare from the RGB light to bring you a less intense feel. Plus, the switch’s milky housing produces a deeper and fuller sound when pressed, which is ideal for gaming and daily office use. Click here to check different Milk switch items. Gateron Low-profile SwitchColorTypeOperation forcePre-travelTravel distanceSound levelFeelRed SwitchLinear45±15 gf1.5±0.5 mm2.5+0.5/-0 mmLowFast and responsive, light pressing force, no bumpBrown SwitchTactile55±15 gf1.5±0.5 mm2.5+0.5/-0 mmMediumModerate pressing force, fast tactile bumpBlue SwitchClicky65±15 gf1.5±0.5 mm2.5+0.5/-0 mmLoudModerate pressing force, fast tactile bump The Gateron Low Profile switch is an ultra-slim mechanical switch that can be used on low-profile mechanical keyboards. The low profile switch has a shorter travel distance and faster actuation than ordinary switches. It provides a fast, smooth fingertip feel. That's why the Gateron Low Profile Switch is also considered one of the best switches for gaming. Gateron Optical SwitchColorTypeOperation forcePre-travelTravel distanceSound levelFeelRed SwitchLinear45±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowLight pressing force, fast trigger, no bumpBrown SwitchTactile55±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.MediumMedium pressing force, fast trigger, tactile bumpBlue SwitchClicky60±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LoudMedium pressing force, fast trigger, tactile bumpBlack SwitchLinear60±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowStrong pressing force, fast trigger, no bumpYellow SwitchLinear35±15 gf1.0±0.1 mm3.2 mm Max.LowLight pressing force, fast trigger, no bumpSilver SwitchLinear45±15 gf1.0±0.1 mm3.2 mm Max.LowMedium pressing force, fast trigger, no bumpWhite SwitchLinear35±15 gf2.0±0.6 mm4.0 mm Max.LowThe lightest pressing force, no bump The Gateron Optical switch is a special switch from Gateron. They are triggered by using light for actuation instead of a metal-to-metal connection. By doing so, it increases the trigger speed when compared to mechanical switches, and is considered by the community to be one of the fastest switches from Gateron. These switches offer a life span of 100 million keystrokes, which is twice as long as ordinary Gateron switches; a good fit for gamers. The left one is the Gateron Optical switch. The Optical switch’s housing on the bottom has an infrared path. What You Should Consider In Choosing a Gateron SwitchKeyboard TypeBefore deciding on a switch, make sure you know what type of keyboard you have, whether its mechanical or optical. If you have a mechanical keyboard, you should choose a mechanical switch. The same goes for optical keyboards, you should pick out an optical switch for optical keyboards. PinsCurrently, there are two types of switches: 3-Pin switches and 5-Pin switches. If you have a PCB board that has 3-Pins, don't buy a switch with 5 Pins because it can't be used directly on your PCB. A PCB board with 5-Pins, however, can accept all MX-style switches without modifications. So, pay attention to the number of pin holes on your PCB before choosing a switch. Sound and Switch FeedbackGateron produces three types of switches: Linear, Tactile, and Clicky. The linear switch is a smooth and quiet switch without any tactile feedback. The clicky switch is loud and bumpy. The tactile switch is a mix of both with a relatively quiet sound profile and a bump that produces tactile feedback when pressed. Naturally, Gateron also developed a silent switch with no noise to provide a quiet feedback. Operation ForceGateron has a number of operation force options to choose from. Everyone has a different preference when it comes to the operation force of their switches. Some people like a robust feel, while others prefer a lighter and more feathery feel. RGBGateron offers switches with different levels of light transmission. If you love a more intense backlight, then the G Pro 2.0 switch and the North Pole switch might do the trick for you. What Gateron Switches are the best for gaming?Actually, most of Gateron’s switches are pretty smooth and good for gaming. But I would still recommend the Gateron Red switches because of their silky feel, light and quick triggering force. Your finger won't get tired even with a prolonged session of intense gaming. If you want a clicky switch, then the Gateron blue switch will be your best bet. If you want a bumpy feedback, but don't like loud sounds, you may want to consider trying the Kangaroo switch or the Baby Kangaroo switch. Their crisp bump and clear rebound performance can offer you a unique fingertip feel to enjoy the game more and avoid accidental keystrokes. Lastly, the Gateron Speed Silver Pro switch is also recommended if you want to have a faster gaming speed. What Gateron Switches are the best for typing?If you want to type with a higher speed accuracy, the Gateron Brown switches with tactile feedback are an ideal choice. It lacks the blue switch’s sharp audible sound feedback and produces only a moderate amount of noise. Therefore, it’s considered one of the best switches for typing. But, if you work in a super quiet environment, your keyboard may stand out a little bit. Though less quiet, it is not the quietest option unless you go for the Gateron Silent Brown. If you want a little more strength when typing, we suggest choosing the black switch as it also produces little to no errors when triggered. Are Gateron blue switches good?With their distinct clicky sound and tactile feedback, Gateron Blue switches are an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their keyboard's feel and performance for a more satisfying typing experience. Are Outemu switches better than Gateron?Both switches are well-suited for typing or gaming. The Gateron switches are a bit lighter, but this difference isn't significant, and most people likely won't feel the difference. Which blue switches are the best?If you're working on a cheaper build and looking for the best clicky option, we recommend Outemu Blue switches. These switches have a more affordable and mechanically simple click jacket design, meaning they produce their signature sound only on the downstroke. Is Gateron Blue the same as Cherry MX blue?Cherry MX Blue and Gateron G Pro 2.0 Blue are similar clicky switches with click jacket designs, which means they only make a clicking noise on the downstroke. The Gateron switches are also somewhat smoother out of the box since they come pre-lubed from the factory. |
