Aflion Blue Sky vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Honey, both of which are linear switches. The Blue Sky is renowned for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience. This switch offers a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Honey switches from TTC are known for their smooth and creamy type feel, resulting in a deep and pleasant sound profile. While the Blue Sky is categorized as high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, the Honey switches are described as subdued, creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. These general pointers give you a glimpse into the unique qualities each switch possesses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and TTC Honey both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Similarly, the Honey also utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, providing similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits. Both switches would offer comparable results in terms of sound quality and compatibility with RGB lighting setups.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Blue Sky utilizes a nylon material while the Honey continues with polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing in the Blue Sky contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Honey maintains the sharper and crisper sound qualities associated with the material. This distinction means that the Blue Sky will provide a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out, while the Honey will retain a more defined and resonant sound in the same scenario.
Considering the differences between the top and bottom housings, pressing down on the Blue Sky switch will emphasize the qualities of its nylon bottom housing. The bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the softer and more sound-absorbing nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Blue Sky's top housing, made of polycarbonate, will have a stronger impact on the sound when releasing a key, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Similarly, the Honey's polycarbonate top and bottom housings will provide consistent sound characteristics throughout both pressing and releasing the switch, maintaining a clear and resonant sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, there are notable differences. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Honey requires a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Blue Sky switch requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke compared to the Honey switch. Additionally, the Blue Sky has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Honey has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Blue Sky switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, as it requires a greater force to fully press down the key.
Considering weight preferences, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Honey switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter touch allows for longer typing sessions without the strain of pressing down with greater force. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Blue Sky switch would be a better choice with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This provides a stronger push feel when typing, which some users may find more satisfying. In terms of weight, the Blue Sky switch is slightly heavier compared to the Honey switch.
In summary, while the Blue Sky and Honey linear switches have similar characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the Blue Sky requires a slightly greater force for both. However, both switches offer their own advantages depending on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. These differences in travel distance may not seem significant, but they can have an impact on the typing or gaming experience. 4.0 mm is the more traditional travel distance, offering a balanced amount of depth when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Honey switch's 3.8 mm travel distance is slightly shallower. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times, making it ideal for gaming purposes. If you prioritize a quicker and more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Honey switch may be the better option for you. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying key press, the Blue Sky with its longer travel distance could be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 switches are best described as high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them a great choice if you prefer a more vibrant sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switches have a subdued sound profile. While not completely silent, these switches offer a more subtle and dampened sound when compared to most switches. The sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switches provide a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic offers a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users, as it falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, adding to the sleekness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switches are described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, and subtle. This means that they offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction. The light resistance and gentle typing feel of the TTC Honey switches make them suitable for shared spaces, and the uniform typing sensation they provide adds to the effortless and seamless experience.
In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky switches are known for their high-pitched sound profile and mild, polished feel. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switches offer a subdued sound and a creamy, frictionless, and buttery feel. While the two switches have different characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they both provide a smooth typing experience. If you prefer a more vibrant sound and a mildly polished feel, the Blue Sky switches would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a more subtle sound and a creamy, frictionless, and buttery feel, the TTC Honey switches would be a great option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound and feel characteristics. If you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a medium bottom out force, the Blue Sky with its 60-gram bottom out force may be the better choice for you. It offers a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Honey with its 50-gram bottom out force is a great option. It offers a smooth and creamy type feel with a deep and pleasant sound profile. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound, the Blue Sky would be suitable, while the Honey offers a more subdued sound. In terms of feel, both switches have smooth and refined finishes, providing a sleek typing experience. However, the Blue Sky is described as mild and polished, while the Honey is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and also polished. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel.
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