Aflion Blue Sky vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options often stand out: the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro. The Blue Sky, a linear switch, is celebrated for its long pole stem that provides a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience, highlighted by a crystal clear sound profile that's both sparkling and polished. This makes it an ideal choice for users who prefer a sleek, quiet keystroke without tactile feedback, allowing for a fluid typing rhythm. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch that offers a pronounced bump during activation, delivering an invigorating typing experience with a distinctive, bass-heavy sound signature that many enthusiasts enjoy. This switch is often favored by those who appreciate a more engaging and responsive feel while typing. Each switch has its unique strengths that cater to different preferences—whether you value the smoothness of a linear switch or the tactile feedback of a bouncy one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
30g
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
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro share significant similarities in their housing materials, particularly in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This choice not only contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile but also enhances the aesthetic appeal when integrated with RGB lighting. Because of these characteristics, users can expect a clear and resonant auditory experience from both switches when actuated. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate provides an attractive visual when illuminated, making both switches visually striking in a gaming or professional setup.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which contrasts with the polycarbonate top. Nylon, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to its harder counterpart. As a result, the Blue Sky and V3 Creamy Purple Pro will offer a sound experience that combines the high clarity from the polycarbonate top with the rounder, dulcet tones from the nylon bottom. The design choice ensures that while both switches replicate the advantageous sound characteristics of their respective materials, they deliver a distinctive typing experience, with the nylon bottom impacting the feel and sound when bottoming out and the polycarbonate top influencing the acoustic response upon release.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Aflion Blue Sky and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro creates a harmonious blend of sound dynamics and aesthetics. The polycarbonate provides clarity and brightness, while the nylon adds depth and warmth to the overall sound profile. Since the same materials are employed in both switches, users can expect similar auditory experiences and tactile satisfaction, albeit with their unique tonal qualities. This thoughtful use of different plastics allows keyboard enthusiasts to appreciate the nuances in sound and feel that each switch can bring to the table, even when they share foundational materials.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch exhibit notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Sky requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, giving users a medium resistance that may feel more substantial during typing. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is designed with a lighter touch, featuring an actuation force of only 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter setup allows for extended typing sessions with less finger fatigue, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort. Consequently, if you prefer a softer push feel and lighter forces, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better choice, while those seeking a more robust typing experience might lean toward the Blue Sky. Overall, these differences in force specifications significantly influence user preference based on their typing habits and comfort levels.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference highlights a key contrast between the two: the Blue Sky offers a more traditional and deeper keystroke, which may appeal to users who enjoy that satisfying depth and feedback when typing. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, with its shallower 3 mm distance, caters to those who prefer quicker response times, often favored by gamers seeking to enhance their gaming experience. Thus, if you value the depth of a key press, the Blue Sky is the better option, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may better suit those who prioritize responsiveness and speed in their keystrokes.
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 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, there are distinct differences that characterize each. The Blue Sky produces a high-pitched sound, offering a crisp and sharp auditory experience that many typists find appealing, especially those who prefer a lighter sound signature. This is complemented by a neutral quality, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. In contrast, the Creamy Purple Pro leans towards a louder sound profile with a bassier tone, which can be more pronounced due to its tactile feedback. This makes it less versatile in quieter spaces, but it can be more satisfying for those who enjoy a stronger auditory response when typing.
In terms of feel, both switches provide a polished experience, thanks to their refined finishes that reduce friction and enhance smooth key travel. The Blue Sky offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable for users at all skill levels. It’s smooth and refined, which can make long typing sessions less tiring. On the other hand, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a more invigorating feel with its pronounced tactile bump. This switch is described as bouncy, offering a springy sensation that can make typing enjoyable and engaging. Additionally, its accented tactile nature means it provides enough feedback without being overly aggressive, catering well to users who enjoy noticeable but not overwhelming tactile sensations.
In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch excels with its high-pitched and neutral sound, combined with a mild and polished feel, making it suitable for quieter settings and extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a louder, bassier sound paired with a tactile and invigorating feedback, ideal for those who appreciate a more dynamic typing experience. Choosing between these switches depends largely on your personal preference for sound and feel, but both offer high-quality experiences tailored to different typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth and engaging linear typing experience, the Blue Sky is an excellent fit, particularly for tasks that require speed and precision, such as gaming or fast-paced typing. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams combined with a high-pitched sound profile makes it a versatile option for both work and play, especially if you prefer a less intrusive sound signature. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback and a lively, bassier sound, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will likely suit you better. With its lighter actuation force of 50 grams and invigorating tactile bump, this switch is perfect for users who favor a bouncy, responsive feel while typing or gaming. Furthermore, if you appreciate that satisfying acoustic feedback, the louder sound profile of the Creamy Purple Pro might enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches hinges on whether you value smoothness and speed or tactile feedback and sound, so consider your typing style and preferences carefully before making a decision.
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