Aflion Blue Sky vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Everglide Crystal Violet are two noteworthy options. The Blue Sky switch is a linear switch that boasts a crystal clear typing experience, thanks to its long pole stem. With its high-pitched, neutral sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch is perfect for those who prefer a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch from Everglide offers a tactile typing experience with a light operating force of 45g. It provides a relaxed and stepped tactile feel, making it ideal for users who seek a gentle and comfortable typing experience. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a pleasant and non-intrusive auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best switch choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ significantly. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that allows for a clear and resonant sound. The Crystal Violet, on the other hand, has an ABS top housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound when typing. ABS is a less common plastic used in switch housings, but it provides a unique sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Blue Sky utilizes a nylon material, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material, thanks to its ability to absorb more sound due to its softer nature. Conversely, the Crystal Violet has an ABS bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This also leads to a relatively low-pitched sound profile while typing.
It's important to note that the housing materials in a switch play a crucial role in determining the sound experience. With the Blue Sky, the differences between its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing result in a distinct bottom-out sound and feel, as well as a unique sound when releasing a key. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet's ABS housing, both top and bottom, contributes to a consistent low-pitched sound throughout the typing experience.
In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ in their housing materials, leading to various sound profiles. The Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper sound. In contrast, the Crystal Violet's ABS housing delivers a low-pitched sound consistently. These differences in housing materials result in distinct typing experiences for each switch. However, if both switches were to use the same housing material, such as ABS or polycarbonate, they would likely offer similar sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Blue Sky requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal Violet may be the preferred choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are slightly lower. This lighter force can be beneficial for individuals who spend long periods typing, such as in a work or gaming setting. The Blue Sky, on the other hand, offers a slightly heavier feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
It's worth noting that while the forces differ between the two switches, they are still within a similar range. Therefore, individuals using either switch can expect comparable results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for lighter or heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and sensation when pressed down. Regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect a consistent key travel experience with a 4 mm distance.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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. These switches produce a high-pitched sound when pressed, giving a sharp and crisp auditory experience. The feel of the Blue Sky switches is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Blue Sky switches provide a pleasant sound profile and a refined typing feel.
On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is known for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. These switches have a low-pitched sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum and creating a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. The feel of the Crystal Violet switches is described as creamy and mild. Typing on these switches offers a smooth and buttery sensation, as if effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches have a stepped feel, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switches have a high-pitched sound profile and provide a gentle and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switches have a low-pitched sound profile and offer a creamy and mild typing experience with stepped tactile feedback. Both switches have a neutral actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various typing intents and purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches provide satisfying typing experiences, but with distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and a smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a medium actuation force that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, if you prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a medium-light actuation force that is perfect for those seeking a softer typing experience. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches have a pleasantly mellow, low-pitched sound profile, making them non-intrusive and suitable for various environments. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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