KTT Ash Gray vs. Aflion Blue Sky

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that delivers a satisfying tactile response, the KTT Ash Gray switch might be the one for you. Designed to provide a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile feedback, the Ash Gray switch combines a light touch with a crisp actuation, striking the perfect balance. This switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky switch could be the ideal choice. With its long pole stem, this switch offers a crystal clear linear feel when typing, accompanied by a sparkling sound profile. Categorized as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Blue Sky switch provides an exquisitely smooth push. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Aflion Blue Sky switches are both made of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This means that they will both provide a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing also allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing.

However, they differ in terms of their impact on sound. The Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing creates a more clear and resonant sound profile, while the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the bottom housing materials also contribute to the sound experience. The Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound.

When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound. Therefore, while they share similar qualities in terms of housing materials, the specific characteristics of the Ash Gray and Blue Sky switches offer slight variations in sounds and tactile experiences.

In summary, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Aflion Blue Sky switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This results in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile from the polycarbonate, which is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Ash Gray offers a clearer and more resonant sound profile, while the Blue Sky provides a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Ash Gray produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. The housing materials of these switches, along with the design of their top and bottom housings, contribute to their unique sound and tactile experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Ash Gray switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Blue Sky's 50 grams. This means that a lighter touch is required to trigger a keystroke on the Ash Gray switch. In terms of bottom out force, the Ash Gray switch requires 53 grams of force, while the Blue Sky switch requires slightly more at 60 grams. This indicates that the Blue Sky switch provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. Overall, the Ash Gray switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Blue Sky switch. However, for those seeking a similar result, both switches fall within the medium force range, providing a comfortable typing experience without excessive strain. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, we can see that the Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Sky being slightly longer. For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Ash Gray may be preferred. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial key feel may lean towards the Blue Sky with its longer travel distance. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, with shorter travel distances providing quicker responses and longer travel distances offering a more robust and deliberate keystroke. Regardless of the chosen switch, both will provide similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Ash Gray switches are known for their neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound when pressed, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use these switches at home or work, the Ash Gray switches will provide a satisfying sound without being overly loud or quiet. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky switches have a high-pitched sound profile. This means that they produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a switch with a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Blue Sky switches would be a better choice for you. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switches are described as easy-to-press. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Ash Gray switches provide a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Additionally, they are considered mild switches, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This means that the sound and feel of the Ash Gray switches will be approachable to most users, as its qualities all stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky switches are also described as mild switches. They offer a gentle typing experience and their sound and feel will be approachable to most users. Furthermore, the Blue Sky switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Due to either the materials used or factory lubing, these switches have reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switches and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ash Gray switches have a neutral sound profile and provide a light touch with a crisp actuation. They offer a delightful blend of tactile feedback and are easy to press, making typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the Blue Sky switches have a high-pitched sound profile and offer a crystal clear linear typing experience. They provide a sharp and crisp sound when pressed and have a polished finish for smooth key travel. Both switches are considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience. Overall, the Ash Gray switches are more suitable for those who prefer a lighter tactile feedback, while the Blue Sky switches are better suited for those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound. However, it's important to consider personal preferences and the other factors that can affect the sound and feel of the switches, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a light touch with a crisp actuation and a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, then the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is the best choice for you. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it provides a medium-light actuation force that is easy to press and enhances the typing experience by offering a low-impact and responsive feel. The sound profile of the Ash Gray switch is neutral, making it suitable for various purposes and environments.

On the other hand, if you prefer a linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, then the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch would be the ideal option for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a medium actuation force that offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Blue Sky switch has a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which may be preferred if you enjoy a more vibrant and distinct typing sound.

Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Ash Gray and Aflion Blue Sky switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider factors such as the desired tactile feedback, actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing experience that you are looking for. Whether you prioritize a light touch with moderate sound profile or a linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound, both switches offer their unique advantages for different typing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more