Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky is praised for its long pole stem that provides a crystal clear linear typing experience, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow showcases an innovative CAP structure for remarkably smooth keystrokes. The Blue Sky switch is described as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched'. Depending on whether you prefer a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel or a smoother action with enhanced stability and reduced wobble, each switch brings its own set of advantages to the table. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the nylon material, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics to create a rounder sound. However, while both switches share this characteristic in their bottom housing, it is important to note that the Blue Sky utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is in contrast to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Another key difference between the Blue Sky and the CAP V2 Milky Yellow lies in their top housing materials. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiff nature that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon top housing offers a softer plastic material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials highlights the impact that different materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a switch.
As mentioned earlier, the housing materials of a switch play a significant role in determining its sound profile and feel. When the top and bottom housings differ, as is the case with the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, the qualities of each material are split between the two sections of the switch. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Understanding the nuances of housing materials can help users make informed choices when selecting switches based on their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams, while the Milky Yellow requires 65 grams, making the Milky Yellow slightly heavier. The difference in bottom out force means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Milky Yellow switch. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the Milky Yellow is considered medium-heavy due to its heavier bottom out force, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter touch or a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect similar results in terms of key press feedback and overall typing experience. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying typing experience due to their identical travel distances.
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 Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow comes in at $3.10 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
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be appealing to those who prefer a more delicate and bright sound while typing. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth key press with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch delivers a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, resulting in a deep, rich, and satisfying typing feedback. The feel of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is described as buttery, emphasizing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. Both switches showcase different sound and feel qualities, catering to distinct preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on personal preference, users can select either the sparkling and polished typing experience of the Blue Sky switch or the thocky and buttery feel of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch for their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will provide similar results in terms of quality construction and compatibility with various keycaps and keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. The Blue Sky switch is ideal for those who prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched sound profile with a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force and a thocky, bassy, or low-pitched sound profile, along with a buttery typing feel. Consider your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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