Aflion Blue Sky vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Hyacinth mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both switches have their unique selling points. The Blue Sky stands out for its long pole stem, which provides a crystal clear linear typing experience. With its sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch is perfect for those who prefer a high-pitched and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth distinguishes itself with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance. This decision was made to avoid the common issue of hard bottoming-out experienced with switches with longer stems. The Hyacinth aims to strike a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, making it a great choice for those seeking a neutral and subtle typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best switch selection for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Hyacinth share similar housing materials, namely polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize sound quality in their switches. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is advantageous for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. The similarities in the top housing materials of the Blue Sky and the Hyacinth suggest that users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and lighting effects.
While both switches share the same top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Blue Sky utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deep and full sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This can be preferred by users who enjoy a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth also employs a nylon bottom housing, indicating that it offers a similar typing experience with its deep and full sound profile. Both switches provide the benefits of nylon's sound-absorbing properties, creating a distinct sound when keys are pressed down.
Ultimately, the difference between the bottom and top housings in a switch will impact the sound and feel of the keys in different ways. When pressing down on either the Blue Sky or the Hyacinth, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more pronounced, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Users can take note of these distinctions to choose the switch that aligns with their desired typing experience and sound profile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Hyacinth has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Additionally, the Blue Sky requires a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams.
In terms of weight, the Blue Sky switch is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Hyacinth switch. This may appeal to those seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Typists who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance may find the Blue Sky to be a better choice for their needs.
However, if weight is a primary consideration, the Hyacinth switch offers a lighter experience. With a lower actuation and bottom out force, it may be suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing feel. This can be particularly beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue can be a factor.
Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Hyacinth provide options for users with varying preferences. Whether one prefers a heavier or lighter feel, both switches offer a medium to medium-light actuation and bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch have different travel distances. The Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional distance, while the Hyacinth has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. For gamers who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth may be preferable. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Blue Sky more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on an individual's preference for either a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial depth.
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 Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 is best described as having a high-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them suitable for those who prefer a more treble-focused sound. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch also has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile that is neither too high nor too low. The sound produced by the Hyacinth switch is well-balanced and suitable for most users, regardless of their experience level or the environment in which they will be using the keyboard. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a mild typing experience. These switches provide a more gentle tactile sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of the Blue Sky switch are approachable to most users, as they fall within a safe and middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth switch is known for its silky feel. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Hyacinth switch also has a subtle resistance, providing a light typing feel. Furthermore, the sound signature of the Hyacinth switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch has a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch has a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and are suitable for different preferences and environments. It is important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and personal preference when choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a crystal clear linear typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky switch would be a great choice. With its long pole stem, it offers an exquisitely smooth push feel and a sparkling sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a design that focuses on a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the KTT Hyacinth switch would be the better option. Its 3.5mm travel distance helps avoid a hard bottoming-out experience, and the choice of a single-stage elongated spring provides a more consistent force curve. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Hyacinth provides a silky and subtle feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and KTT Hyacinth switches depends on your preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile. Consider your priorities and select the switch that aligns with your preferences and needs.
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