Aflion Blue Sky vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky and the Dareu Dream mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer a smooth typing experience. The Blue Sky stands out for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear feel with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push sensation. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream is touted for its light linear option and attractive price point, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts. While the Blue Sky is described as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished', the Dream is characterized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Clacky', 'Mild'. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and Dareu Dream both feature polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both keyboards offer a visually appealing housing material that enhances the overall aesthetic. The similarities in their polycarbonate top housings ensure that users can expect a consistent sound experience and visual appeal from both keyboards.
On the other hand, the Blue Sky utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Dream also features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon housings produces a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softness, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile, creating a unique typing experience for both keyboards. Despite the difference in their top housing materials, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Blue Sky and Dream ensures a similar typing sound and feel, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches affects the overall typing experience. While pressing down on a switch will highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, the sound when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing material. This division ensures that users can appreciate the distinct characteristics of both the polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the Blue Sky and Dream keyboards, contributing to a versatile and engaging typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Sky is the heavier of the two with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the Dream is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Dream switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Blue Sky switch. In terms of actuation force, both switches offer relatively similar results, providing a smooth and consistent typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Dareu Dream linear switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel. This similar travel distance can provide a consistent typing or gaming experience across both switches. It is worth noting that a shorter travel distance can result in quicker actuation and potentially faster typing speeds, while a longer travel distance may provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. In this case, both the Blue Sky and the Dream offer the same travel distance, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a standard keypress feel.
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 Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 offers a high-pitched and crisp sound profile, providing a sharp and clear typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the Blue Sky will provide a brighter sound while the Dream will have a more percussive tone.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished typing experience with smooth key travel and reduced friction. The Dareu Dream switch, on the other hand, provides an easy-to-press feel with minimal force required to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. Both switches are described as mild, offering a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics.
Overall, if you prefer a brighter and crisper sound with smooth key travel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you prioritize easy key presses and a light actuation force for comfortable typing, the Dareu Dream linear switch would be more suitable. Despite their differences, both switches offer a gentle typing experience and cater to different preferences based on sound and feel. Ultimately, you can expect similar results in terms of a smooth and comfortable typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, you'll want to consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a crystal clear linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a polished, mild feel, then the Blue Sky switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a very light linear option with a clacky sound profile and an easy-to-press, gentle resistance during key presses, then the Dareu Dream switch might be the better option. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you prefer. Make sure to consider your typing style, sound preferences, and bottom out force when selecting the switch that best suits your needs.
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