Aflion Blue Sky vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Ice King Tactile offer distinct typing experiences. The Blue Sky is a linear switch known for its crystal clear typing experience and smooth push feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a high-pitched and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile excels in delivering a creamy smooth typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, appealing to those who enjoy a silky and stepped feel while typing. While the Blue Sky offers a polished linear typing experience, the Ice King Tactile provides a frictionless and subdued tactile typing experience. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Ice King Tactile exhibit different sound profiles due to their use of polycarbonate and nylon, respectively. The Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile.
The use of polycarbonate in the Blue Sky's top housing allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile, which is ideal for those looking for a sharper typing experience. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile that may appeal to individuals seeking a deeper typing sensation. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that each housing material contributes to different aspects of the sound profile. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Ice King Tactile ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound profile and typing sensation.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch show a slight difference in weight. The Blue Sky has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Ice King Tactile has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, with the Ice King Tactile leaning towards the heavier side. When considering weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Blue Sky for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier push feel of the Ice King Tactile for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Blue Sky has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ice King Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Blue Sky offers a more traditional and deep travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feeling. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile provides a slightly shallower travel distance, making it ideal for those looking for a quicker and more responsive typing experience, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance, with the Blue Sky offering a longer distance and the Ice King Tactile providing a slightly shorter one.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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 Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched and crisp sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a sharper auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch provides a subdued and dampened sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more mellow typing experience. Both switches will result in a satisfying sound, but the Blue Sky will deliver a more vibrant and clear tone compared to the Ice King Tactile's softer and more subtle sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, combining a gentle feel with smooth key travel. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch provides a silky and frictionless typing feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of each keystroke. Additionally, the Ice King Tactile features a stepped design, offering a more nuanced tactile feedback with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Overall, while the Blue Sky provides a refined and approachable typing feel, the Ice King Tactile excels in providing an exceptionally smooth and tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Blue Sky excels in providing a high-pitched and polished linear typing experience, while the Ice King Tactile delivers a subdued and silky tactile typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing sensation, ensuring that newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world can find the perfect match for their typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch or the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is important to consider your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and linear typing feel with a sparkling sound profile, the Blue Sky switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a pronounced tactile bump and creamy smoothness in your typing experience, the Ice King Tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Take the time to consider what matters most to you when choosing between these two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches.
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