Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique experiences are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron CM. The Blue Sky switch stands out for its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a high-pitched sound profile and a neutral and mild feel, this switch provides a smooth and satisfying push with every keystroke. On the other hand, the CM switch breaks away from convention with its full nylon housing, resulting in a richer and deeper sound signature. Alongside an impeccable factory lube job, these switches promise an effortlessly smooth typing journey, evoking a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. With a lengthened, dual-staged spring, the CMs deliver a bouncy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper to explore these switches beyond generalities so that you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron CM utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, allows for a clearer and more resonant sound experience. Additionally, the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting.
In contrast, the Gateron CM utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Although it does not offer the same sharpness as the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Sky, the nylon top housing of the CM provides a unique typing experience for those who prefer a fuller sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches rely on nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the Blue Sky, similar to its top housing, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption capabilities. The same can be said about the nylon bottom housing of the Gateron CM. Both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound, as the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, while the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron CM differ in their choice of materials for the top and bottom housings, they both excel in providing nuanced sound profiles. The Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharp and clear sound, while the CM's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound experience. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches share the characteristics of nylon, resulting in a similar, deep sound when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for either a sharper or fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, there are a few key differences. The Blue Sky has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the CM's actuation force of 55 grams, making the Blue Sky easier to trigger keystrokes with. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blue Sky requires a force of 60 grams, while the CM requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams. This means that the CM provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Blue Sky would be a suitable choice as it allows for longer periods of typing or gaming without causing fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more solid typing experience may opt for the CM with its heavier forces for a satisfying keypress. Both switches fall within the medium range, with the Blue Sky leaning towards the lighter side and the CM being slightly heavier. Despite these differences, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out forces, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, it is clear that they have slight differences. The Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the CM has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches provide a satisfactory distance for typing, it is worth noting that the Blue Sky offers a slightly deeper travel experience. This can be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial key press. Alternatively, the CM's shorter travel distance may be favored by gamers and individuals seeking a faster response time. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 linear typing experience, offering a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch breaks away from convention with its full nylon housing, delivering a richer, deeper sound signature. Complemented by an impeccable factory lube job, these switches promise an effortlessly smooth typing journey, evoking a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke.
In terms of sound, the Blue Sky switch has a high-pitched and neutral sound profile. High-pitched switches produce sharp and crisp sounds, making them suitable for those who prefer a brighter sound. The neutral sound profile of the Blue Sky switch is more moderate and versatile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings.
In contrast, the CM switch has a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. Bassy switches offer a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Thocky switches produce a deep, satisfying sound reminiscent of a "thud" or a soft "knock" when pressed and released. Low-pitched switches provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild switch provides a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users due to its safe, middle-ground qualities. The polished finish of the switch results in a sleek and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the CM switch provides a buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless feel. A buttery switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The polished finish of the CM switch ensures a sleek and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The creamy feel of the switch is smooth and buttery, offering a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes. Lastly, the CM switch also provides a frictionless experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron CM linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch provides a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched or neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel. On the other hand, the CM switch delivers a richer, deeper sound signature with a bassy, thocky, or low-pitched sound profile, accompanied by a buttery, polished, creamy, or frictionless feel. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose either switch to achieve the desired sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch would be your top choice. With its long pole stem, it provides a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a richer, deeper sound signature delivered by a full nylon housing, and a bouncy typing experience with its lengthened, dual-staged spring, the Gateron CM linear switch is the way to go. It promises an effortlessly smooth typing journey that evokes a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. In terms of sound, the Blue Sky offers a high-pitched or neutral option, while the CM offers a bassy, thocky, or low-pitched sound profile. As for feel, the Blue Sky provides a mild and polished typing experience, while the CM offers a buttery, polished, creamy, or frictionless sensation. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing style. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so the decision depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
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