Aflion Blue Sky vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Grapefruit are two standout options, both falling under the linear switch category. The Blue Sky switch is widely appreciated for its long pole stem, delivering a crystal-clear linear typing experience. With a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, it offers a satisfying experience for those who prefer a high-pitched, neutral, and mild switch. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switches are known for their unique characteristics. These tarty linear switches provide a soft and light typing feel, accompanied by a "baritone" but not yet "bass" deep sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and polished, the Grapefruit switch offers a different experience compared to the Blue Sky. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Grapefruit both have polycarbonate top housings. This means that they will have similar sound profiles, producing sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. So, both switches will provide a clear and resonant sound when typing and give a visually pleasing experience with the RGB lighting.
On the other hand, the Blue Sky and the Grapefruit differ in terms of their bottom housings. The Blue Sky uses a nylon bottom housing, while the Grapefruit also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon housing will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will provide a unique and distinct typing experience due to their nylon bottom housings, offering a satisfying and immersive sound when pressing down on the keys.
When it comes to the overall impact of the housing materials, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. As such, the Blue Sky and Grapefruit, with their different top and bottom housing materials, will provide a well-rounded sound experience throughout the typing process. Whether it is the sharp and clear sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing or the deeper and fuller sound generated by the nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a balanced and dynamic sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Blue Sky and KTT Grapefruit linear switches, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Blue Sky requires 50 grams of force, while the Grapefruit is slightly lighter at 45 grams. Both of these forces can be considered medium, providing a satisfying level of resistance without being overly heavy or light.
Moving on to bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires a force of 60 grams, whereas the Grapefruit has a slightly lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Blue Sky switch slightly heavier when fully pressed down compared to the Grapefruit.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need to type for longer periods may find the Grapefruit switch more suitable. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for smoother and less fatiguing typing sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and forceful keystroke experience might lean towards the Blue Sky switch. Its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a satisfying push feel that some users find more enjoyable.
In conclusion, while there are differences in the actuation and bottom out forces between the Aflion Blue Sky and KTT Grapefruit linear switches, both offer a medium level of resistance. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Grapefruit being lighter and the Blue Sky providing a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch are both 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience provided by both switches. The travel distances of these switches are equal, ensuring consistency in key press feel and allowing for precise and comfortable 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 KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a high-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, which may be appealing if you prefer a more distinct and clear typewriter-like experience. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile. These switches tend to have a deeper and more bass-heavy tone, creating a mellower sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderately audible sound. This makes them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use them at home or at work. It's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Aflion Blue Sky and KTT Grapefruit linear switches are described as having a polished finish. This indicates that the switches have a smooth and refined surface, resulting in a sleek and comfortable typing experience. The polished finish can be achieved through the use of high-quality materials or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. The Blue Sky switches are further described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a gentle and approachable feel to most users, as their qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, there is no specific description provided for the feel of the Grapefruit switches, but since they share the same polished finish as the Blue Sky switches, we can expect similar results in terms of feel.
Taking into account the available information, the Aflion Blue Sky and KTT Grapefruit linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Blue Sky switches are known for their crystal clear linear typing experience, providing a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switches offer a soft and light typing feel, along with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for different users and settings. Additionally, the polished finish of both switches ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. While certain aspects like the exact sound characteristics and typing feel of the Grapefruit switches are unknown, based on the shared qualities, it is likely that they will offer similar results to the Blue Sky switches in these aspects. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky switch would be a great choice. With its long pole stem, it offers a crystal clear linear typing experience and has a sparkling sound profile. The Blue Sky switch has a high-pitched sound, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Additionally, it has a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Grapefruit switch would be a suitable option. These switches are known for their soft and light feel, along with a "baritone" though not yet "bass" deep sound profile. The Grapefruit switch has a low-pitched sound, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It also has a polished feel, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a sparkling, high-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel, consider choosing the Aflion Blue Sky switch. However, if you prefer a soft, low-pitched sound and a polished feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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