Aflion Blue Sky vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and TTC Gold Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky switch is praised for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver is known for its rapid responsiveness, shortened travel distance, and solid bottom-out, delivering a decisive keystroke experience with a resonant sound signature. While the Blue Sky is categorized as high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, the Gold Silver falls into categories like polished, thocky, low-pitched, silky, mild, neutral, and subtle. These general descriptions highlight the distinct qualities of each switch; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Blue Sky and TTC Gold Silver switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for those looking to enhance their typing experience with a more defined noise. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually striking effect.
In contrast, the Blue Sky and Gold Silver switches diverge when it comes to their bottom housing material. The Blue Sky features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a more muted and rounded noise when compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Gold Silver also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, emphasizing a similar deep and full sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
Overall, while both switches share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housing, the difference in their nylon bottom housing materials may impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials means that users will experience distinct sensations when pressing down and letting go of keys. Whether you prefer a sharper, clearer sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound with nylon, both the Aflion Blue Sky and TTC Gold Silver switches offer unique qualities to cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, the Blue Sky requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gold Silver's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Sky needs 60 grams while the Gold Silver's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Blue Sky is slightly heavier overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Silver may be the better choice due to its lighter actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Blue Sky may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with different preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Gold Silver switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Sky switch. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer different experiences when it comes to key press depth and responsiveness, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, the Blue Sky is best suited for those who prefer a high-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp tone without being too overbearing. On the other hand, the Gold Silver provides a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound, delivering a deep, rich sound with a bass-heavy tone that is both satisfying and harmonious. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, users can expect a pleasant auditory experience with either selection, depending on their personal sound preferences and setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Blue Sky is described as having a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. Similarly, the Gold Silver offers a polished and silky feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance. Both switches fall under the category of mild switches, offering a gentle typing experience without sacrificing quality or tactile feedback. Whether one prefers a polished and refined feel or a silky smooth sensation, both the Blue Sky and Gold Silver switches deliver on providing a relaxed and comfortable typing experience for users.
In conclusion, when considering the subjective qualities of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, users can expect a distinct typing experience based on their sound and feel preferences. While the Blue Sky excels in producing a high-pitched and neutral sound with a mild and polished feel, the Gold Silver stands out for its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile paired with a polished and silky smooth feel. Regardless of the choice between these two switches, users are guaranteed a high-quality typing experience that combines speed, sound, and fluidity in every keystroke. Ultimately, whether opting for the Blue Sky or the Gold Silver, users can anticipate similar results in terms of sound and feel, ensuring satisfaction and performance in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a crystal clear linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a high-pitched sound profile, the Blue Sky switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you value rapid responsiveness, a solid bottom-out feel, and a thocky sound profile, the Gold Silver switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these switches boils down to whether you prioritize smoothness and a sparkling sound or quick action and a resonant sound. Make your choice based on what characteristics align best with your typing preferences.