Aflion Blue Sky vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Gold Pink. The Blue Sky is a linear switch that offers a crystal clear typing experience with its long pole stem. It provides a high-pitched, neutral sound profile and a smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Gold Pink is also a linear switch but with a 37g actuation force, making it one of the lightest switches available. It is designed for those who prioritize a fast and effortless typing experience, making it ideal for rapid typing or gaming. These switches produce a clacky sound and offer a satisfying level of feedback. Overall, the Blue Sky provides a sparkling sound profile and a refined feel, whereas the Gold Pink delivers a light and lively typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Gold Pink have similar housing materials in terms of their polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic results from the polycarbonate top housings of both the Blue Sky and the Gold Pink switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Blue Sky and the Gold Pink differ in their material choices. The Blue Sky features a nylon bottom housing, while the Gold Pink also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature and its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound from both the Blue Sky and the Gold Pink switches, as both utilize nylon for their bottom housings.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials, whether polycarbonate or nylon, are divided between the top and bottom housings of a switch. When pressing down on these switches, the user will primarily feel the impact and experience the sound qualities influenced by the bottom housing. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the top housing. This means that while the top and bottom housings may have different materials in the Blue Sky and the Gold Pink, the overall typing experience could still be similar due to the division of housing material qualities between the top and bottom.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, there are notable differences. The Blue Sky switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Gold Pink switch requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Gold Pink switch will be more sensitive and responsive, requiring less force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Sky switch has a slightly higher force of 60 grams, compared to the Gold Pink switch's 45 grams. This means that the Blue Sky switch will offer a slightly more substantial typing experience, as it requires more force to fully press down on the keys. However, both switches fall within the medium to light range of forces. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Gold Pink switch more suitable, as it offers a lower actuation force and bottom out force. Conversely, those who prefer a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Blue Sky switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. It is the distance that you feel when you press a key. Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on the keys, you will feel the same distance of travel for both switches. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results and there is no notable difference between them.
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 TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience. It offers a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a more lively and vibrant sound while typing. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch has a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. The smooth and refined finish of the switch contributes to its sleek and polished feel. Overall, the Blue Sky switch offers a satisfying sound and a comfortable typing feel.
On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is best known for its light and lively typing experience. With a low actuation force of 37g, these switches are among the lightest available. They provide a buttery and feathery keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Gold Pink switch also has a mild and polished feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. It has a subtle resistance and a gentle sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. With their light actuation force and smooth key travel, the Gold Pink switches excel in rapid typing and gaming scenarios.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky and TTC Gold Pink linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch provides a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel. It delivers a crystal clear typing experience and is suitable for those who prefer a sharper sound and a refined typing feel. On the other hand, the Gold Pink switch offers a more clacky and buttery sound profile with a light and feathery typing feel. It is perfect for individuals who value a fast and effortless typing experience. However, please note that the sound and feel of each switch may vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a crystal clear typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky is a great choice. These switches offer a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, making them suitable for both typing and gaming. Additionally, the Blue Sky switches have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile and suitable for various environments. In terms of feel, they are described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 45 grams, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is the perfect option. They are known for their light and lively typing experience, making them ideal for rapid typing or gaming. These switches have a satisfying level of feedback with a clacky sound. They offer various feel qualities such as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. The light actuation force reduces finger fatigue, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and TTC Gold Pink linear switches depends on your personal preferences and requirements. If you value a medium bottom out force, a crystal clear typing experience, and a polished feel, the Blue Sky is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch, a lively typing experience, and diverse feel qualities, the Gold Pink is the better option. Consider your typing style, environment, and desired sound and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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