Aflion Blue Sky vs. Akko Botany
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko Botany switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko Botany both present compelling options, particularly for enthusiasts seeking linear switches. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, providing a crystal-clear linear typing experience characterized by a polished feel and a unique sparkling sound profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a smooth and refined sensation while typing. In contrast, the Akko Botany switches are distinguished by their crisp and lively clacky sound, which offers a more engaging auditory experience straight out of the box. While the Blue Sky emphasizes a high-pitched, neutral tone that may be preferable for quieter environments or focused work sessions, the Botany’s lively nature could appeal more to those who enjoy an energetic feedback during their typing. Both switches cater to different preferences, making them suitable for various typing styles and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko Botany, one can immediately note a significant difference in their top housing materials. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing that is characterized by its stiffness. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially when RGB lighting is incorporated, giving users a vibrant lighting display. In contrast, the Akko Botany utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer composition. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. Thus, while the Aflion Blue Sky's polycarbonate top fosters a bright and lively sound, the Akko Botany's nylon housing tends toward a warmer, more muted tone.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon. The characteristics of nylon allow for a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, irrespective of the differences in the top housing materials. This similarity means that while the auditory experiences differ with key presses due to their respective top housing, the bottom-out sound and feel are shaped by the nylon bottom housing in both switches. Both types of switches benefit from nylon's sound-absorbing properties, which help to create a less harsh bottom-out experience compared to types that utilize harder plastics in the bottom housing. Thus, despite their varied top housings, both the Blue Sky and the Botany can exhibit similar sound quality traits upon bottoming out.
Overall, the combination of different top housings contributes significantly to the unique sound signature of each switch. The polycarbonate top of the Aflion Blue Sky lends itself to a more lively sound during key releases, while the nylon top of the Akko Botany offers a warmer auditory experience. However, with both featuring nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent level of dampening and resonance during the bottom-out action. This dual material approach creates interesting dynamics in both models, allowing keyboard enthusiasts to choose based on personal preference for sound profiles and aesthetics, while still enjoying some shared characteristics across the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Sky requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Conversely, the Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who favor a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Overall, the Blue Sky switch is the heavier option, while the Botany is the lighter alternative, catering to different user preferences regarding keystroke feel and typing comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Botany measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Blue Sky the longer option, offering a more pronounced depth when pressing the keys. The Botany, on the other hand, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers or users who prioritize quicker response times. The shorter distance can facilitate faster keystrokes, catering to those who prefer a snappier feel, though some may find it feels too abrupt. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you lean towards that pronounced depth or a more responsive keypress.
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 Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, the Blue Sky offers a high-pitched and neutral sound. Its high-pitched quality produces a sharp, crisp sound when pressed, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a brighter auditory experience over the richer, bass-heavy sounds of other switches. Meanwhile, the Botany switches are known for their crisp, lively clackiness straight out of the box, which might appeal to users looking for an engaging typing experience. However, since the Botany's specific sound descriptors were not provided, we can derive that both switches aim for a pleasing auditory feedback, albeit with different emphases.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch is characterized by a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic ensures that users have a gentle touch, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists who prefer approachable feedback. Its polished nature contributes to reduced friction and a smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Botany switch are unknown, leaving a gap in making a direct comparison. Nevertheless, the smoothness offered by the Blue Sky can set a high benchmark for any switch vying for similar performance.
Taking all of this information into account, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko Botany switches cater to their users' preferences in distinct ways. The Blue Sky excels in offering a high-pitched, crisp sound along with a polished, mild feel, making it an appealing option for those seeking a refined experience. The Botany, with its lively clacky sound, stands out in a different light, but without explicit details on its feel, it's challenging to assess its tactile qualities. Ultimately, both switches provide valuable experiences that might appeal to different typing styles and preferences, suggesting that a choice between them may boil down to individual auditory preferences and the types of feedback desired in a keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Aflion Blue Sky linear switches and Akko Botany linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a medium actuation force and enjoy a crystal-clear, polished typing experience accompanied by a high-pitched sound profile, the Aflion Blue Sky switches are an excellent choice. They are especially suitable for those who prefer a more refined touch with smooth key travel, making them ideal for both work and casual typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter key feel with a lively clacky sound, the Akko Botany switches will serve you well. Their lower actuation force makes them particularly appealing for extended typing sessions or for users who enjoy a snappier response from their switches. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a moderate, polished experience or a lighter, more energetic sound.
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