Aflion Blue Sky vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro both offer unique characteristics that cater to varying preferences. The Aflion Blue Sky, a linear switch, is known for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, also a linear switch, is a budget-friendly option that offers a poppy, clacky sound and decent smoothness right out of the box, appealing to those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both keyboards benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. However, while the Blue Sky has a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for similar acoustic attributes. This shared use of nylon bottom housing results in both keyboards offering a rounder and duller sound experience compared to switches with harder plastic materials.
In terms of sound production, the nylon bottom housing of both the Blue Sky and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro enhances the typing experience by absorbing more sound and creating a deeper tone. This allows for a more immersive and satisfying sound when typing on the keyboard. However, due to the differences in the top housing materials between the two keyboards, the overall sound profile may vary slightly. The Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing is likely to provide a sharper sound when releasing a key, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing may contribute to a crisper sound upon key release.
Overall, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offer a blend of housing materials that contribute to a unique sound profile for each keyboard. While both feature polycarbonate top housings that enhance sound clarity and resonance, the use of nylon bottom housings adds a deeper and fuller sound experience. The slight differences in sound produced by the top housings may appeal to different preferences, but overall, both keyboards provide a high-quality typing experience with their carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch have similar actuation and bottom out forces, with both requiring 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams of force to bottom out. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience with both switches in terms of force requirements. The medium weight of these switches strikes a balance between lightness for extended typing sessions and heaviness for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to other factors such as switch travel distance, sound profile, or overall feel, as the actuation and bottom out forces are virtually identical.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Blue Sky switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow Pro switch. The 4 mm travel distance of the Blue Sky makes it more suitable for those who prefer a more traditional key feel, providing a bit more depth to the keystroke. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow Pro's 3.3 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a better choice for gamers and individuals seeking a faster response time. Both switches offer a reliable and smooth keystroke experience, but the slight difference in travel distance can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and 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 Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound when pressed, ideal for those who prefer a brighter auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch provides a poppy, clacky sound right out of the box, giving users a more vibrant auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Blue Sky leaning towards a higher pitch and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offering a poppy, clacky sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience. The smooth and sleek finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, appealing to users who prefer a more approachable typing feel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These switches offer a light actuation force, minimal exertion requirement, bouncy feedback, responsiveness, and a smooth finish, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky provides a high-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a poppy, clacky sound and an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. Both switches offer unique typing experiences that can enhance the overall enjoyment of using a mechanical keyboard, allowing users to customize their setup based on their sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, whether choosing the Blue Sky or the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with their chosen switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, you should consider the specific characteristics of each switch to match your preferences. If you prefer a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel, the Blue Sky switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for budget-friendly switches with a poppy, clacky sound and an easy-to-press, feathery feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch may be more in line with your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing experience and sound profile. Choose wisely to enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
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