Aflion Blue Sky vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Glimp. The Blue Sky is a linear switch that is known for its crystal clear typing experience, thanks to its long pole stem. Offering a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch falls under the categories of being high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Glimp switch is also a linear switch but strikes a different balance. It is medium-light, providing a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, the Glimp switch offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. Categorized as clacky, creamy, mild, and neutral, it offers a different typing experience compared to the Blue Sky. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Glimp, specifically their polycarbonate top housing, share several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual effects when using both the Blue Sky and Glimp switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches opt for nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material and offers distinct advantages in terms of sound profile. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's relatively softer nature. Unlike harder plastics, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, users of both the Blue Sky and Glimp can expect a similar typing experience characterized by a satisfying, deep sound when bottoming out the keys.
While the top housing material primarily affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, although both the Blue Sky and Glimp utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing, users can still expect similar sound profiles provided by their polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, respectively. Ultimately, whether it's the Blue Sky or the Glimp, users can enjoy a combination of sharp, crisp sound with a resonant and deeper tone, offering an enhanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, there are a few differences to note. The Aflion Blue Sky has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Glimp's 43 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches are considered to have a medium actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky requires 60 grams, while the KTT Glimp requires 53 grams. This means that the Blue Sky is also slightly heavier when it comes to pressing all the way down. Despite these differences, both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it allows for less strain and fatigue. In this case, the KTT Glimp with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces may be more suitable. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with heavier forces. For them, the Aflion Blue Sky could provide a stronger push feel.
In summary, while the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces compared to the KTT Glimp linear switch, they both fall within the medium range. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Blue Sky offering a slightly heavier typing experience and the Glimp providing a lighter option.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch are equal, both measuring at 4 mm. When pressing down on a key, the user will experience the same distance traveled by both switches. Therefore, regardless of whether one chooses the Blue Sky or the Glimp, the sensation felt when typing will be similar. These switches offer an identical travel distance, ensuring a consistent user experience in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on a key.
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 KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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 profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This is ideal for those who prefer a more vibrant and clear sound, as opposed to a richer and bassier profile. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch provides a clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound. This adds a crisp and percussive element to your typing sessions. Both switches are classified as having a neutral sound profile, meaning they offer a moderate level of sound, suitable for various purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch provides a mild typing experience. This means it offers a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Furthermore, the Blue Sky switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a creamy typing experience. This means it provides a smooth and buttery sensation while typing, as if your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. The creamy feel can be attributed to factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch construction. Similar to the Blue Sky switch, the Glimp switch also falls within a mild typing experience category.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch stands out with its high-pitched sound profile, providing a crystal clear and vibrant typing experience. It also offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke. On the other hand, the Glimp switch delivers a clacky sound profile, adding a sharp and snappy auditory element to typing. Its creamy feel provides a smooth and buttery sensation, akin to effortlessly gliding across the keys with ease. Ultimately, both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making them suitable for various purposes. If you are looking for similar results, either switch would provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience, tailored to your personal preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when it comes to choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prioritize a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, then the Blue Sky switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that strikes the perfect balance between substantial typing experience and comfortable actuation force, with a satisfying and responsive typing feel and a fairly clacky sound profile, then the Glimp switch is the way to go.
In terms of sound, the Blue Sky offers a high-pitched or neutral sound profile, which can be sharp and crisp, perfect for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound. On the other hand, the Glimp switch provides a clacky or neutral sound profile, characterized by a sharp, snappy, and percussive sound.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. The Glimp switch, on the other hand, provides a creamy and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Blue Sky and KTT Glimp switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider whether you prioritize a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel (Blue Sky), or a switch that strikes the perfect balance between substantial typing experience and comfortable actuation force, with a satisfying and responsive typing feel and a fairly clacky sound profile (Glimp). Factors such as sound and feel should be taken into account to ensure that you select the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.