Gateron Aliaz vs. Aflion Blue Sky
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Aflion Blue Sky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and Aflion Blue Sky offer unique characteristics to satisfy different preferences. The Gateron Aliaz is a tactile switch tailored for quiet environments like the office, providing a medium-heavy weight for a substantial feel to each keystroke. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced typing feedback without the noise, categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky is a linear switch known for its crystal clear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. Categorized as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', this switch offers a different typing sensation. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Aliaz and the Aflion Blue Sky switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. With both switches using polycarbonate in their top housing, users can expect similar sound profiles and overall typing experiences when pressing down and releasing keys.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Gateron Aliaz utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which further adds to the sharp and crisp sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky features a nylon bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. With these differences in bottom housing materials, users can expect variations in the sound and feel of bottoming out keys between the two switches.
In terms of overall typing experience, the bottom and top housing materials of a switch play a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the keys. While the Gateron Aliaz and Aflion Blue Sky switches both prioritize sound quality, they achieve this through different housing materials. The Gateron Aliaz focuses on using polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing to create a sharp and resonant sound profile, while the Aflion Blue Sky combines polycarbonate and nylon to achieve a balance between crispness and depth in sound. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their preference for sound profile and typing feel, knowing that the housing materials will influence the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, it is evident that the Aliaz is heavier in both aspects. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a heavier switch overall. On the other hand, the Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium weight category. The lighter actuation force of the Blue Sky makes it easier to trigger keystrokes, which may be preferred by some users for longer typing sessions. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel may lean towards the Aliaz for its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with lighter switches being ideal for prolonged use and heavier switches offering a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
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 Aflion Blue Sky has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Sky for $4.07.
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 tactile switch offers a muted typing experience, making it a great choice for quieter environments like offices. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch produces a high-pitched sound when pressed, giving off a sharp and crisp typing feedback. The different sound profiles of these switches cater to varying preferences, with the Aliaz being more subdued and the Blue Sky offering a more sparkling sound.
Moving on to feel, the Aliaz switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key presses with minimal resistance. Similarly, the Blue Sky switch also offers a polished feel, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience. However, the Blue Sky switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, making it approachable and comfortable for most users. The Aliaz, on the other hand, offers a medium-heavy weight that gives a substantial feel to each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz provides a quieter and medium-heavy typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback. In contrast, the Blue Sky switch gives off a high-pitched sound and offers a mild and polished typing feel, making it a versatile option for various users. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, consider your environment and preferences. If you work in a quiet office setting and prefer a medium-heavy key feel with a muted sound profile, the Aliaz switches would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a crystal clear linear typing experience with a lighter key feel and a high-pitched sound profile, the Blue Sky switches would be a better fit. Both switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in terms of sound, weight, and overall typing feel. It's important to test out both switches if possible to see which one aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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