Aflion Blue Sky vs. TTC Gold Brown

Overview

The Aflion Blue Sky and TTC Gold Brown are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Blue Sky is a linear switch, known for its long pole stem, which provides a crystal clear linear typing experience. This switch selection offers a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Gold Brown is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness. It has a rounded sound profile that is generally much softer than most switches without being completely silent. The Blue Sky can be described as high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, while the Gold Brown is categorized as neutral, mild, buttery, accented, and polished. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide the ideal switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Blue Sky and TTC Gold Brown both use polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic results from both the Blue Sky and Gold Brown switches due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blue Sky utilizes nylon, while the Gold Brown also utilizes nylon as its bottom housing material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is achieved because nylon is a softer plastic compared to harder plastics, which allows it to absorb more sound. As a result, the sound produced by switches with nylon bottom housing tends to be duller and rounder. Therefore, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the sound produced by the Blue Sky and Gold Brown switches due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.

It is important to note that when the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is primarily felt when pressing down on the switch and affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Blue Sky and Gold Brown have different top and bottom housings, this distinction means that there may be subtle variations in the sound and feel between the two switches, particularly during the press and release of keys.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have medium levels of actuation and bottom out force, which means they require a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke and press all the way down, respectively. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. Therefore, the Blue Sky is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gold Brown, although the difference is minimal. For those who prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Blue Sky might be the preferred choice. However, if someone enjoys a slightly stronger push feel for a more solid typing experience, they may lean towards the Gold Brown switch. Overall, both switches offer similar results and can cater to different preferences based on the desired level of force.

Travel distance

Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Blue Sky switches have a high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes them suitable for those who prefer a more distinct and lively sound. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. The Gold Brown switches produce a rounded sound that is generally softer than most switches but not completely silent. 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, both the Blue Sky and Gold Brown switches offer a mild typing experience. A mild switch provides a more gentle typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable to most users as they fall into a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches are also described as polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used and/or the factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.

Overall, the Blue Sky switches provide a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and a polished feel. They are known for their sparkling sound and exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switches offer a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a mild, buttery, and accented feel. They have a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness to them. While they have different subjective qualities, both switches are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and can be used at home or work. If you prefer the qualities of the Blue Sky switches, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is the way to go. It offers a moderate bottom out force of 60 grams and is best known for its long pole stem. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced switch with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is the choice for you. It has a bottom out force of 63 grams and offers a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch has the added feature of being buttery and accented, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Overall, both switches have their unique qualities and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more