Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Aflion Blue Sky
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Blue Sky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Everglide Aqua King and the Aflion Blue Sky, both of which are linear switches. The Aqua King is best known for its frictionless typing experience, as it quite literally feels like gliding on ice while typing. With its subdued, creamy, and silky typing feel, this switch offers a polished and magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Blue Sky switch stands out for its crystal clear linear typing experience. Its long pole stem provides an exquisitely smooth push feel, accompanied by a sparkling sound profile. Categorized as high-pitched, neutral, and mild, the Blue Sky switch also offers a polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
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
Gold-plated
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Aflion Blue Sky have similar housing materials in terms of their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing experience.
However, the bottom housings of the Aqua King and Blue Sky differ. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Blue Sky utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile upon bottoming out. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Sky produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
It is important to note that the different housing materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches play a role in the overall typing experience. Pressing down on the switch will predominantly showcase the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released, allowing for a nuanced auditory experience.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King and the Aflion Blue Sky share similar polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, their differences lie in the bottom housing materials. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound, while the Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Understanding the varying impacts of these housing materials allows for a tailored and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have a medium force rating, making them suitable for a range of typing preferences. The Aqua King requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams, while the Blue Sky requires 50 grams. This means that the Aqua King may provide a slightly more effortless typing experience, making it preferable for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Aqua King has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, compared to the Blue Sky's 60 grams. This indicates that the Aqua King may provide a slightly more resistant and substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, both switches offer a relatively similar typing experience, with the Aqua King being slightly lighter in actuation force and slightly heavier in bottom out force compared to the Blue Sky.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when comparing and contrasting different options. In the case of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same 4 mm of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch provides a subdued sound when pressed. This means that the switch produces a dampened sound, which is not completely silent but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound upon activation. However, the Blue Sky also offers a neutral sound profile option, which has a more moderate and versatile sound that suits various preferences and settings. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Choosing the right combination can further enhance the desired sound effect.
Moving on to feel, the Aqua King switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. It offers a smooth and buttery sensation, feeling like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch provides fluid travel with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a luxurious typing experience. The Blue Sky switch, on the other hand, is described as mild and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users. It also provides a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. Both switches excel in terms of providing a satisfying typing feel, with the Aqua King offering a wider range of options.
Overall, while the Aqua King and Blue Sky linear switches have some distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they both offer exceptional qualities. The Aqua King provides a frictionless and magical typing experience, while the Blue Sky offers a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile. Depending on personal preferences and the desired typing experience, both switches can deliver satisfying results. It's important to consider factors such as sound preferences, the desired level of smoothness, and any additional features that may enhance the typing experience. Nonetheless, whichever switch you choose, a premium typing experience is guaranteed.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force, the Everglide Aqua King and Aflion Blue Sky are both excellent options. The Aqua King offers a frictionless and magical typing experience, as if you're gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. On the other hand, the Blue Sky provides a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King has a subdued sound, which is dampened and more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Blue Sky offers a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a rich and bassy sound, the Blue Sky is a great choice.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King offers a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These switches have a smooth and buttery feel, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Blue Sky, on the other hand, provides a mild and polished typing experience. These switches offer a gentle feel that is approachable to most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and Aflion Blue Sky depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a more subdued sound and an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, the Aqua King is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a high-pitched sound and a gentle typing experience, the Blue Sky is an excellent choice. Both switches provide a medium bottom out force, offering a comfortable typing experience overall.
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