Kailh Berry vs. Aflion Blue Sky
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry 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 Kailh Berry and the Aflion Blue Sky are two options worth considering. The Berry switches provide a unique typing experience with their springy feel and chalk-like texture, offering a hefty typing experience. Additionally, these switches produce a fairly deep sound profile, enhancing the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the Blue Sky switches differentiate themselves with their long pole stem and crystal clear linear typing experience. With a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, typing on the Blue Sky switches can be an absolute delight. Categorized as high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, they offer a different typing experience compared to the Berry switches. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and the Aflion Blue Sky both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice of material results in similar benefits for both switches. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiff plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This clarity and resonance can greatly enhance the typing experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate housing is a common feature for both switches, providing a visually pleasing look. Overall, whether you choose the Berry or the Blue Sky, you can expect similar sound profiles and visual appeal from the polycarbonate top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Kailh Berry and the Aflion Blue Sky opt for nylon as their material of choice. Nylon offers distinct characteristics that result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike the stiff polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound as you type. This can add a level of satisfaction and comfort to the typing experience, allowing for a more satisfying bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. So, whether you go for the Berry or the Blue Sky, you can expect a similar depth and resonance in the typing sound, thanks to the nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound of the switch, the combination of the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role. While the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch, the top housing has a significant impact on the sound when you let go of a key. Therefore, even though the Kailh Berry and the Aflion Blue Sky utilize different bottom and top housing materials, the qualities that each material brings to the table are effectively distributed, resulting in a well-balanced typing experience. So, regardless of whether you prefer the Berry or the Blue Sky, you can expect a satisfying combination of sounds and sensations as you type.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Berry's value is unavailable, while the Blue Sky requires 50 grams of force. Both switches fall into the category of medium actuation force, making them suitable for those who prefer a balanced typing experience. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Berry requires 70 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Blue Sky's 60 grams. This means that typing on the Berry switch would provide a slightly more substantial feel, while the Blue Sky switch offers a lighter touch.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may lean towards the Blue Sky switch, as its lower actuation force aligns with their preference. On the other hand, those seeking a stronger push feel might opt for the Berry switch, as its heavier bottom out force would provide a more substantial typing experience. However, since the actuation force and bottom out force are unknown for the Berry switch, it is difficult to draw a direct comparison. Nevertheless, individuals seeking a medium actuation force with a balanced touch would find both the Berry and Blue Sky switches to be suitable choices.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, we can see that the Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these options fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the keyboard market. Gamers in particular tend to favor shorter travel distances, as they offer faster response times. So, if you value responsiveness, the Berry switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, some users find short travel distances too abrupt and prefer a deeper keystroke. In this case, the Blue Sky switch with its slightly longer travel distance could be a more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, it is worth noting that both options offer relatively similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Berry linear switch is best described as low-pitched and bassy. This means that the sound produced by these switches is more mellow and has a deeper, richer tone resembling bass tones. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is described as high-pitched and neutral. This means that the sound produced by these switches is sharp and crisp, with a higher frequency range. The Blue Sky switches are a great option for those who prefer a more moderate sound profile. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch has a textured typing experience. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys, giving a tactile feedback to the user. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. This means that the switch provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It also has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek, smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, and chalk-like texture. It produces a low-pitched, bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a crystal clear typing experience, with a long pole stem. It provides a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel. While the Berry switch has a textured feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities and choosing between them depends on personal preferences. If you prefer a deeper and bassy sound profile with a textured feel, the Berry switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a sharper, crisper sound with a smoother feel, the Blue Sky switch would be more appealing. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying linear typing experience, albeit with different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering the Kailh Berry linear switch versus the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. The Kailh Berry switch offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a hefty and springy typing experience with a deep sound profile. If you enjoy a more bass-heavy and mellow tone and prefer a textured feel with noticeable friction when typing, the Berry switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky switch features a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile. If you prefer a high-pitched and crisp sound during key presses and a more mild and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Blue Sky switch may suit your preferences better. Overall, consider your desired typing feel and sound profile to determine whether you prefer the Berry or Blue Sky switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
