Aflion Blue Sky vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can significantly impact both sound and feel. The Aflion Blue Sky and the Keygeek Briny are two linear switches that cater to distinct preferences, yet both aim to provide smooth and satisfying keystrokes. The Blue Sky switch shines with its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear linear typing experience that combines a sparkling sound profile with an exquisitely smooth push feel. In contrast, the Briny leverages its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing to produce a balanced sound profile, emphasizing a more muted yet still fulfilling typing experience. If you’re after an invigorating auditory feedback with a touch of elegance, the Blue Sky may be your go-to choice. On the other hand, if subtlety and balance are more your style, the Briny could very well meet your needs. 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
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
UPE
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Keygeek Briny, it is clear that they employ differing materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Blue Sky opts for a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature that enhances sound clarity and resonance. This creates a sharper and crisper auditory experience, particularly beneficial for users who utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Briny utilizes a nylon top housing, a material well-regarded for its sound-absorbing characteristics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, while both switches incorporate nylon in their bottom housing—where the two switches are aligned in producing a more substantial auditory experience—the differing top housing materials lead to contrasting acoustic results.
While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the sound impact diverges based on the top materials employed. In the Aflion Blue Sky, the combination of a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom means users can expect a bright and resonant sound during the key release action. The sharper sound character of the top housing attributes more prominently to the acoustic experience. Conversely, the Keygeek Briny’s nylon top creates an entirely different interaction with the bottom nylon housing, as it results in a rounder auditory experience during both presses and releases. Thus, while both utilize nylon for the lower sound-producing component, the unique combinations with their respective tops produce distinct sound profiles overall.
The integration of nylon in both the Blue Sky and the Briny at the bottom inherently contributes to a fuller sound sensation while typing. This shared material means that, despite the varied auditory experiences brought about by their differing top housings, the foundation allows both switches to maintain a similar acoustic depth. As such, those who appreciate the depth of the nylon material's sound absorption will find familiarity within both products, albeit with varied top-end brightness due to the materials selected for the top housings. In conclusion, while the key characteristics of each switch stem from their unique top materials, the commonality of nylon in the bottoms ensures a shared level of sound fulfillment in terms of fullness and depth.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch are nearly identical in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces, both requiring an actuation force of 50 grams and bottoming out at 60 grams. This means that users will experience similar performance characteristics with both switches, making them equally suitable for tasks that require prolonged typing or intense gaming sessions. Given that both switches have the same force specifications, they offer a medium typing experience, catering to both those who prefer a lighter touch and those who appreciate a firmer key feel. Therefore, if you opt for either switch, you're likely to achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness and overall typing comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Blue Sky boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with more traditional preferences for switch depth and may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial key press. In contrast, the Briny has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who favor quicker, more responsive keystrokes, which is especially advantageous for gamers seeking immediate feedback. While the Blue Sky provides a hearty depth for typing, the Briny offers a slightly more agile feel. Ultimately, if you want a switch that delivers a familiar depth, the Aflion Blue Sky is the superior choice, while the Keygeek Briny might better suit those who prioritize rapid response times.
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 Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 Aflion Blue Sky switches are notable for their high-pitched and neutral sound profiles. The high-pitched characteristic provides a sharp and crisp auditory experience, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a more airy, articulate sound over richer, bass-heavy tones. The neutral sound profile also allows the Blue Sky to function well in various settings, whether at home or in a professional environment. In contrast, the sound profile of the Keygeek Briny switches is not specifically defined, which means there’s potential for a unique auditory experience that could differ from the Blue Sky, depending on how they resonate with different boards and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switches are celebrated for their mild yet polished typing experience. The mild nature allows a comfortable and gentle typing interaction, making them approachable for both beginners and experts alike. The polished finish contributes to a seamless keystroke, reducing friction and resulting in an overall smooth key travel. Unfortunately, the tactile qualities of the Briny switches are unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding how they may compare in terms of both smoothness and general feel during use.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blue Sky switches offer a distinct high-pitched sound and a refined feel with their mild and polished characteristics, the Keygeek Briny switches present an unknown sound and feel landscape that could vary widely. If you're drawn to the sparkling audio and smooth typing experience of the Blue Sky, you might appreciate how these qualities make for an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience. On the other hand, the Briny may hold its own unique appeal once its qualities are explored; hence, you would want to consider your preferences carefully in choosing between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing context. If you value a smooth and sparkling experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the Blue Sky is likely your best choice. Its long pole stem provides an exquisitely smooth push feel, making it a delightful option for typing enthusiasts who appreciate a polished touch and aren't deterred by a more pronounced sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced sound profile and the gentle typing experience it provides, the Briny switch may be more suited to your needs, particularly in environments where a less intrusive sound is beneficial. Both switches have a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, ensuring a comfortable actuation for most users, but the choice between a crisp, polished feel in the Blue Sky and a more neutral, balanced approach with the Briny will be key in determining which switch will best complement your typing style and preferences.
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