Gateron Beer vs. Aflion Blue Sky
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Blue Sky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Blue Sky offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Beer switch from Gateron stands out for its translucent green design reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, giving it a visually appealing look. Known for its lightweight and stepped tactility, the Beer switch provides a subtle tactile feedback and a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Blue Sky switch from Aflion boasts a crystal clear linear typing experience with a long pole stem. It offers a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a neutral and polished typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different tastes, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Blue Sky utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful when incorporating RGB lighting into the switches. However, while the top housing is the same for both switches, the materials used in the bottom housing differ. The Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Blue Sky utilizes nylon for its bottom housing.
The nylon bottom housing of the Aflion Blue Sky provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gateron Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The differences in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience on these switches. As you press down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material will play a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key.
While the Gateron Beer and Aflion Blue Sky share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the choice of nylon for the Blue Sky's bottom housing sets it apart from the Beer. The use of different materials in the bottom housing affects the overall sound profile and typing experience on each switch. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of the Beer's polycarbonate top and bottom housing or the fuller, deeper sound of the Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch are quite different. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Blue Sky has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Blue Sky switch will require more force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the Beer switch. The lighter actuation force of the Beer switch may be preferred by those who want a smoother and easier typing experience for longer periods of time, while the heavier actuation force of the Blue Sky switch may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences due to their differences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, ideal for those looking for a quick response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Blue Sky switch with a longer travel distance may appeal to individuals who prefer a more traditional and deeper key press feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, catering to unique preferences and purposes. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Beer tactile switch is best described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, which is sharp and crisp. If you prefer a more neutral sound profile, the Blue Sky switch might be the better option for you. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. It offers a gentle typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a more subtle feel with distinct stages in the keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. The polished finish of the Blue Sky switch results in a smooth and refined typing feel, reducing friction and providing comfortable key travel.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, the Gateron Beer tactile switch might be the ideal choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a high-pitched sound and a polished, mild typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and typing style. Remember to also consider other factors such as keycaps and keyboard setup to further enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, consider the following factors. Choose the Gateron Beer if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a stepped tactility for a more subtle feel, and a clacky sound profile for a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, opt for the Aflion Blue Sky if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a long pole stem for a crystal clear linear typing experience, and a high-pitched or neutral sound profile. The Beer offers an easy-to-press feel with its light actuation force, while the Blue Sky provides a mild and polished typing experience for a more refined touch. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for switch characteristics that best suit your typing style and sound preferences.
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