Aflion Blue Sky vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko Dracula present two compelling options within the linear category, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience that combines a sparkling sound profile with an exquisitely smooth push feel—making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory experience alongside a refined tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula sets itself apart with its innovative use of POK material for the top case and stem, boasting ultra-smooth typing and enhanced durability. Its clever design features an extra stem hole for improved airflow, which contributes to an even smoother operation, perfect for users who prioritize performance and longevity in their switches. While both switches share the benefits of a linear feel, the Aflion Blue Sky leans toward a more playful auditory profile, whereas the Akko Dracula focuses on durability and an effortless typing experience. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko Dracula keyboards utilize different materials for their top housings, thus resulting in distinct auditory characteristics. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, allowing for a resonant sound that is particularly appealing when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Dracula employs a POK top housing. While POK also delivers a unique sound experience, it focuses more on providing a smooth and durable feel. Though both materials are designed to enhance the performance of mechanical switches, the polycarbonate used in the Blue Sky fosters a more pronounced high-end response, whereas the POK material leans towards a smoother and broader sound overall.
When examining the bottom housings of the two keyboards, both the Blue Sky and the Dracula utilize nylon, which is traditionally regarded as a classic material for keyboard switches. This similarity is significant as nylon consistently absorbs sound and imparts a deeper, fuller auditory experience. Because both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a subdued, rounded sound profile upon bottoming out, irrespective of the differences in their respective top materials. Therefore, while the top housing introduces different sonic nuances, the nylon bottom housing serves as a common ground that ensures a complementary auditory output when typing, resulting in a cohesive sound quality across both keyboards.
Ultimately, the differing materials between the top housings of the Blue Sky and Dracula create distinct soundscapes, while their shared nylon bottom housing helps unify the typing experience in terms of sound depth. The Blue Sky's polycarbonate top enhances the crispness in sound, which is beneficial when used in conjunction with RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Dracula’s POK top introduces a smoother feel with its low coefficient of friction marrying well with the substantial sound dynamics from the nylon bottom. The resultant bottoming-out feel and sound from these keyboards indicate that while their top housings diverge in design and performance, the combination of nylon at the bottom allows for a fuller sound foundation that both keyboards share despite their top housing differences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Akko Dracula features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference indicates that the Dracula switch is better suited for extended typing sessions, as its lower force requirements facilitate less finger fatigue. Conversely, the Blue Sky's heavier forces may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding weight and resistance, with the Akko Dracula being the lighter option and the Aflion Blue Sky offering a heavier, more forceful experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch to the Akko Dracula linear switch, a noticeable difference in travel distance can be observed. The Aflion Blue Sky features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial and hearty feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Akko Dracula boasts a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, appealing to users who favor a more responsive action, which is often preferred in gaming contexts for quicker response times. Thus, the Blue Sky is the longer switch, while the Dracula is the shorter option. This distinction means that users seeking depth may gravitate towards the Blue Sky, whereas those desiring quicker, more abrupt feedback may choose the Akko Dracula.
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 Dracula has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dracula for $3.29.
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 it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch presents a high-pitched and crisp auditory experience, which is favored by users seeking an invigorating typing environment. This characteristic is particularly appealing to those who prefer a sharp acoustic signature over the deep tones of more bassy switches. The sound profile is also neutral, making it versatile enough for different preferences, whether in a home or office setting. Conversely, the sound profile of the Akko Dracula switch is not specified, indicating that its sound qualities might vary based on other factors such as the keyboard build and keycap materials. Thus, while the Blue Sky offers a distinct auditory experience, the Dracula's sound remains uncertain and may require users to evaluate it in a practical setting.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch excels with a mild, approachable typing experience, balancing smoothness with a gentle actuation that caters to a wide audience. Its polished characteristics, resulting from superior materials and possibly factory lubing, contribute to an elegant and refined key press that minimizes friction, promoting a pleasurable typing experience. The Akko Dracula switch, however, lacks detailed descriptions regarding its tactile feel. While its POK material enhances smoothness and durability, the specific sensory feedback it provides during typing is not mentioned. Therefore, while the Blue Sky ensures a dependable tactile performance, the feel of the Dracula switch remains to be definitively assessed.
In summary, while the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch stands out for its high-pitched sound and refined tactile experience, the Akko Dracula switch's qualities remain less defined, particularly in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky’s crisp audio and smooth key travel make it appealing for many users, while the Dracula offers an interesting design with features that enhance durability and airflow. For those looking for clear auditory feedback and a polished typing experience, the Blue Sky is a strong choice; however, users intrigued by the Akko Dracula should approach it with an open mind, prepared for potentially different sensory experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits will play a significant role. If you favor a more tactile experience with a moderate bottom out force of 60 grams, the Aflion Blue Sky switch might be your ideal choice. Its high-pitched sound profile and smooth push feel provide a satisfying auditory and tactile sensation, making it great for both office settings and gaming environments. On the other hand, if you appreciate a lighter touch and seek enhanced durability, the Akko Dracula switch with its 45-gram bottom out force will suit you well. Thanks to its innovative POK material and extra stem hole for improved airflow, this switch enables an ultra-smooth typing experience that is perfect for long typing sessions or rapid gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a sturdier feel with a crisp sound or a lightweight, sophisticated tactile response.
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