Aflion Blue Sky vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Jwick Ginger Milk, both of which are linear switches. The Blue Sky is best known for its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, it provides a satisfying tactile response. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk switches have a soft and pastel aesthetic, reflecting their typing experience. They offer a silky smooth and approachable push feel with a muted, snappy sound profile. Categorized as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Blue Sky switch provides a unique and refined typing experience. The Ginger Milk switch, on the other hand, falls under the categories of 'Neutral' and 'Buttery', offering a smooth and buttery 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Jwick Ginger Milk are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound quality and aesthetic appeal from both the Blue Sky and the Ginger Milk due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housing of these switches differs as the Blue Sky features a nylon bottom housing, while the Ginger Milk incorporates a nylon bottom housing as well. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, when typing on the Blue Sky or the Ginger Milk, users can expect a similar sound experience due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
It's important to note that when the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities brought by each housing material will be distributed accordingly. For example, when pressing down on either the Blue Sky or the Ginger Milk, the user will feel the impact and qualities of the respective bottom housing, which has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be more affected by the qualities of the top housing. Therefore, while the top and bottom housing materials may differ, users can still anticipate similar overall experiences when using the Blue Sky and the Ginger Milk.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 50 grams, requiring an equal amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Blue Sky has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, while the Ginger Milk has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some prefer a lighter switch, like the Blue Sky, as it allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. This characteristic makes it ideal for keyboards used in work environments or for extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might opt for a switch with a heavier force, such as the Ginger Milk. The Ginger Milk provides a stronger push feel, offering a satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke.
To summarize, while both the Aflion Blue Sky and Jwick Ginger Milk switches share the same actuation force, their bottom out forces differ, with the Blue Sky being lighter and the Ginger Milk being heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference. The Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Ginger Milk has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. While both distances fall within the traditional range, with 4.0 mm being more standard and 3.7 mm considered on the shallower side, the slight variation may impact the user experience. Gamers, for instance, might prefer the shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial key press may find the 4.0 mm travel distance of the Blue Sky to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on personal preference and the desired sensory experience when typing.
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 Jwick Ginger Milk has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ginger Milk for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switches offer a high-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which can be ideal for those who prefer a more rich and sharp tone. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound, not too high-pitched or low-pitched, making them suitable for various purposes and preferences. It's important to note that the specific sound of a switch can also be impacted by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switches provide a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic implies that these switches offer a more gentle typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable to most users, as they fall within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the polished finish of the Blue Sky switches ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, making typing feel sleek. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switches are described as buttery in feel. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.
Overall, both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switches and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switches offer subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky switches provide a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel, which may appeal to those who enjoy a sharp and gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk switches offer a neutral sound profile and a buttery feel, appealing to those who prefer a more moderate sound and a smooth keystroke experience. Based on the available information, it is clear that these switches possess distinct characteristics that can provide similar results in terms of sound and feel. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and factors like keycaps and keyboard board choice to further enhance the typing experience with these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a crystal clear typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky would be a great choice. These switches offer a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that is soft and pastel, with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Jwick Ginger Milk might be more to your liking. These switches provide a silky smooth and approachable push feel, along with a muted, snappy sound profile. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, if you prefer a mild and polished typing experience, the Blue Sky would be the better option, while the Ginger Milk offers a buttery and fluid keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.