Aflion Blue Sky vs. Durock Daybreak

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Daybreak both offer distinctive features to cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blue Sky is renowned for its linear typing experience with a long pole stem, providing a crisp sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak offers a heavier 67g actuation force for a more substantial touch while maintaining quiet operation, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. While the Blue Sky switch falls under the categories of 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Daybreak switch is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

Durock Daybreak Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Daybreak, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with polycarbonate housings. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting for a visually appealing experience. With both keyboards utilizing polycarbonate top housings, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits.

On the other hand, the Blue Sky and Daybreak differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Blue Sky featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Daybreak also opting for a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. Despite the difference in bottom housing material between the two keyboards, users can still expect a similar sound profile that is deep and full due to the use of nylon in the construction of both keyboards.

When considering the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings of a switch are distributed differently. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that users of the Blue Sky and Daybreak keyboards will experience variations in sound and feel depending on which housing material is used for the top and bottom of the switch. Despite these differences, both keyboards offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience with unique characteristics attributed to their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, we see that the Blue Sky has a lighter actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Daybreak's unknown actuation force. However, the Blue Sky has a heavier bottom out force at 60 grams compared to the Daybreak's 67 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, with the Daybreak leaning towards the heavier side. The lighter actuation force of the Blue Sky may make it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier bottom out force of the Daybreak may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Sky has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Daybreak's 3.8 mm. The Blue Sky offers a slightly deeper key press experience, while the Daybreak provides a slightly shallower feel. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Blue Sky being on the longer side and the Daybreak being slightly shorter. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Daybreak due to its shorter travel distance, while those seeking a more substantial key press may lean towards the Blue Sky. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best known for its high-pitched and crystal clear typing experience, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak linear switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a quieter option for workspaces or settings where noise levels need to be minimized. Depending on your preference for sound, the Blue Sky will deliver a more vibrant and distinctive typing sound, while the Daybreak will provide a more subtle and mellow tone.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Blue Sky and Daybreak linear switches offer a polished typing experience with smooth key travel. The Blue Sky switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Similarly, the Daybreak switch is also described as polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel for a comfortable typing experience. Whether you prefer a switch with a more gentle feel like the Blue Sky or a heftier touch like the Daybreak, both options offer a smooth and polished typing experience.

In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky and Durock Daybreak linear switches each have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched and crystal clear typing sound with a mild and polished feel, the Blue Sky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a muted and low-pitched sound profile with a polished and smooth typing experience, the Daybreak switch is the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance regardless of which option you choose.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a high-pitched sound profile with a smooth and polished typing experience, the Blue Sky switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier actuation force, a muted and low-pitched sound profile, and a polished typing experience, the Daybreak switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and environment for the optimal typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Durock Daybreak Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more