Aflion Blue Sky vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Cabbage Tofu. The Blue Sky is a linear switch that is known for its crystal clear typing experience and sparkling sound profile. With its long pole stem, this switch offers an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu is a linear switch that boasts improved tactility and responsiveness. Its lengthened 22mm spring allows for a swift rebound after actuation, resulting in a quicker transition between keystrokes. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu is reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. Both switches offer unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Cabbage Tofu both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant and visually appealing illumination. With similar characteristics and benefits, the top housings of both switches can be expected to deliver comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Cabbage Tofu differ in their bottom housing materials. The Blue Sky utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Cabbage Tofu also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials on the switches, it is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play different roles. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing is more influential in determining the sound produced. Despite the differences in materials between the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Cabbage Tofu, their respective housing materials divide these qualities between the top and bottom of the switches, resulting in distinctions in sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Sky requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Cabbage Tofu has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, offering a balanced typing experience. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Blue Sky is slightly heavier, requiring 60 grams of force compared to the Cabbage Tofu's 53 grams.
Considerations of weight come into play when choosing between these switches. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for extended typing periods, may opt for the Cabbage Tofu. Its slightly lighter actuation force can provide a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Blue Sky. Its slightly heavier bottom out force can offer a satisfying tactile feedback.
Although there is a distinction in the actuation force and bottom out force between these switches, both provide a medium typing experience. Whether one prefers a slightly lighter or heavier feel, both the Blue Sky and the Cabbage Tofu meet the criteria for a comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. Therefore, you can expect similar results from both switches in terms of the distance you feel when using them.
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 KTT Cabbage Tofu has an MSRP of $3.25 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cabbage Tofu for $2.75.
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
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best known for its crystal clear and sparkling sound profile. It is considered a high-pitched switch, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be appealing to those who prefer a more lively sound rather than a rich and bassy profile. The Blue Sky switch also offers a smooth and polished feel, thanks to its refined finish and reduced friction. Typists can expect a sleek and approachable typing experience, as the switch falls into a safe and middle-ground zone in terms of its characteristics.
On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is known for its improved tactility and responsiveness. The switch features a lengthened 22mm spring, which results in a swift rebound after actuation. This allows for quicker transitions between keystrokes, enhancing the overall typing speed. The sound profile of the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp, bright, and percussive sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. Similar to the Blue Sky, the Cabbage Tofu switch also offers a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky and KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky offers a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel, while the Cabbage Tofu provides a clacky sound and a polished, snappy feel. Both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The choice between these switches depends on personal preferences regarding sound and typing experience. If a rich and bassy sound profile or a creamy and silky typing experience is preferred, alternative switches may be more suitable. However, both the Blue Sky and Cabbage Tofu switches provide satisfying options for those seeking a linear switch with specific sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a moderate bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky switch with its 60 grams force would be a good choice. It offers a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch, the KTT Cabbage Tofu with its 53 grams force would be a suitable option. It provides improved tactility and responsiveness, with a swift rebound after actuation for quicker transitions between keystrokes. The Blue Sky switch is known for its high-pitched sound profile, which can be crisp and sharp, while the Cabbage Tofu switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a safe middle-ground zone for most users. The Cabbage Tofu switch, on the other hand, provides a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, offering smoothness, reduced friction, and enhanced responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should depend on your preferred bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.