Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar stand out as compelling linear options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, which provides users with a crystal clear typing experience marked by a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree Cedar prioritizes reliability and affordability, utilizing Gateron’s proprietary mold to deliver a satisfying, poppy sound with dependable performance. While the Blue Sky emphasizes a polished auditory experience, the Everfree Cedar focuses on delivering solid, cost-effective functionality without sacrificing quality. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, making them appealing choices for various users. 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
55g
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
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches, it becomes evident that both models utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared choice in material leads to a remarkably similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it an ideal choice for those who favor an articulate keystroke. Additionally, both switches' translucent polycarbonate tops allow for effective RGB lighting, enhancing visual aesthetics while amplifying the overall gaming or typing experience.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge, with both opting for nylon as their material. This commonality means that both switches are likely to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typed upon. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounded and muted auditory feedback that contrasts nicely with the clearer sound produced by the polycarbonate top. As the bottom housing significantly influences the overall feel and sound upon bottoming out, users can expect a consistent sense of depth and warmth while typing on either switch, despite differing upper configurations.
Overall, while the polycarbonate top housings of the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar produce a similar sound profile, the nylon bottom housings infuse a singular depth and warmth to their acoustic signature. The combination of these materials showcases how the distinct characteristics of each contribute uniquely to the overall typing experience. Whether opting for the Blue Sky or Everfree Cedar, users will enjoy a harmonious blend of clear highs from the top housing and rounded lows from the bottom, delivering a well-rounded performance suitable for both gaming and typing environments.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch to the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces. The Blue Sky features a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, which can be more comfortable for extended use, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar has a slightly heavier actuation force at 55 grams, appealing to those who prefer a firmer feedback during typing. While the bottom out force for the Blue Sky is 60 grams, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is currently unavailable, making it challenging to directly compare their bottoming-out experiences. Overall, the Blue Sky has the advantage for users seeking a lighter touch, while the Everfree Cedar might appeal to those who favor a stronger tactile response.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch reveals a notable difference. The Blue Sky features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional key feel and may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper, more tactile experience when typing. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to users who favor quicker response times, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking speed. Therefore, while the Blue Sky switch offers a longer travel distance, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress, the Cedar switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance that might feel more abrupt but can lead to enhanced responsiveness. If quickness is your priority, the Gateron Everfree would be the better option, whereas if you prefer a more grounded typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky would suit you best.
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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Everfree (EF) Cedar for $2.75.
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 is renowned for its high-pitched acoustic profile, delivering a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. This characteristic makes it particularly appealing for those who prefer a snappy auditory feedback without the bulkiness that can come with lower-pitched switches. Furthermore, the Blue Sky also has a neutral aspect in its sound, which balances its sharpness, allowing it to fit into various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. In contrast, while specific sound qualities for the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar are not detailed, it is described as providing a satisfying, poppy sound profile. This indicates that users can expect a clear and enjoyable auditory experience, though the precise tonal qualities have yet to be identified.
Regarding feel, the Aflion Blue Sky offers a mild typing experience that is gentle on the fingers, making it suitable for long typing sessions. It is complemented by a polished finish, suggesting that the materials and possible factory lubrication contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel. This creates a refined tactile experience that is both approachable and satisfying. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch are not specified, which leaves its tactile experience unknown at this time. However, the overall performance description implies a competent and reliable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches cater to users seeking smooth and enjoyable typing experiences, though they present distinct sound profiles—sharp and crisp versus a potentially lively pop. The Blue Sky switches offer a more documented feel quality, characterized by a mild and polished typing sensation. While the Everfree Cedar's tactile experience remains undetermined, it maintains the promise of reliable performance. Therefore, users might gravitate towards the Blue Sky for a clearer sound and a refined feel, while the Everfree Cedar could draw those looking for cost-effective linear switches without sacrificing too much in sensory feedback.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, consider your specific typing needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a crystal clear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile, the Blue Sky should be your choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams strikes a satisfying balance for those who enjoy a smooth yet responsive feel while typing. The mild and polished characteristics of the Blue Sky make it a versatile option, whether you plan to use it in a quiet home office or a bustling workspace. On the other hand, if you're seeking a cost-effective option that remains reliable and delivers a satisfying poppy sound profile, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar would be a suitable alternative. While the details about its bottom-out force and feel characteristics are unavailable, Gateron’s reputation for quality suggests a solid performance for a variety of tasks. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize the refined audio and tactile quality of the Blue Sky or the economical reliability of the Everfree Cedar.
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