Aflion Blue Sky vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Ice King Linear mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience. The Blue Sky switch is known for its crystal clear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile, while the Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth feel thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube. The Blue Sky switch is categorized as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', while the Ice King Linear is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings typically results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience of both switches. Therefore, in terms of bottom housing material, both the Blue Sky and the Ice King Linear offer similar qualities in sound production and typing feel.
However, the top housing materials of the two switches differ, with the Blue Sky featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Ice King Linear opts for a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as it is a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, typing on switches with nylon top housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in top housing materials highlights the different sound profiles that users can expect from the Blue Sky and the Ice King Linear.
In terms of overall sound and typing experience, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Ice King Linear will come down to personal preference for sound characteristics. The Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, enhancing the typing experience with a deeper and rounder sound. Ultimately, users looking for a sharper sound may prefer the Blue Sky, while those seeking a deeper sound may lean towards the Ice King Linear.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, both switches have similar medium-weighted forces. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a balance between a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions and a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Blue Sky has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Linear. A 0.5mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel of the switch. The Blue Sky may provide a bit more cushioning and smoother typing experience due to its longer travel distance, while the Ice King Linear may feel slightly more responsive and quicker to actuate. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation, but the slight variation in distance may cater to different preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal typing preferences and the specific use case for the keyboard.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound when pressed, appealing to those who prefer a brighter sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a more subdued, dampened sound, offering a quieter and more subtle typing experience. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users may lean towards the Blue Sky for a more vibrant sound or the Ice King for a quieter typing environment.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Sky linear switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is highlighted for its silky, frictionless, and creamy feel, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches aim to create a comfortable and fluid typing experience, with the Blue Sky excelling in providing a polished and refined feel, while the Ice King focuses on offering a silky and smooth sensation for users.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Sky provides a high-pitched and polished typing experience, the Ice King offers a subdued and silky smooth feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. However, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience and pleasant sound for users, ensuring that whether you choose the Blue Sky or the Ice King, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In wrapping up our comparison of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is important to consider your personal preferences when choosing between the two. If you are looking for a switch with a sparkling sound profile and a smooth push feel, the Blue Sky may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a silky smooth typing experience and full nylon construction with factory lube, the Ice King Linear could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so making a decision based on what sound and feel you prefer will lead you to the best switch for your typing needs.
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