Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Ink Red. The Blue Sky is a linear switch that provides a crystal clear typing experience, thanks to its long pole stem. It offers a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Ink Red is also a linear switch but stands out for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. The Ink Reds are known for their satisfyingly smooth operation, crispy and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Ink Red switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, providing a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing's translucency is especially useful for utilizing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. This blend produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described as being clacky. Although both housing materials contribute to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, the Blue Sky offers a sharper profile while the Ink Red achieves a clackier tone.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Blue Sky is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Ink Red employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. While still having a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, it adds a clackier element to the overall sound profile. Both housing materials differ slightly in their sound characteristics, with the Blue Sky offering a deeper and fuller tone, and the Ink Red providing a slightly clackier sound.

Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note that each housing material contributes differently to the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, such as a deeper sound and fuller feel, become more noticeable. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the specific materials and their resulting sound profiles may differ between the Blue Sky and Ink Red, the overall experience of using the switches and their impact on typing will be similar due to the unique combination of top and bottom housing qualities.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Blue Sky requires 50 grams, while the Ink Red requires 45 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force category, providing a balanced typing experience for most users. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches share the same weight of 60 grams. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, the end result will be similar, providing a satisfying keystroke feel. The difference in actuation force may be of interest to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, as the Ink Red offers a slightly lighter actuation force. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Blue Sky, with its slightly heavier actuation force. Overall, both switches offer a comparable bottom out force, ensuring a consistent and satisfying keystroke feel.

Travel distance

Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch have the same travel distance, which is 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same 4 mm distance traveled. So, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results and experiences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a more sparkling and clear sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it also has a unique chirpy characteristic, adding a little squeak to the sound, setting it apart from other switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a sharper sound, the Blue Sky switch is a great option, while the Ink Red switch offers a more neutral sound with a touch of chirpiness.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable for most users, as its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel provided by the switch contribute to its overall polished feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Furthermore, the Ink Red switch is also described as mild and polished, making it comfortable and refined to type on. Overall, both switches provide smooth and comfortable typing experiences, with the Blue Sky switch leaning towards a mild and polished feel, and the Ink Red switch emphasizing exceptional smoothness.

Taking into account all the available information, it can be concluded that the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron Ink Red linear switches have their own unique qualities. The Blue Sky switch offers a sparkling sound profile and a smooth yet mild and polished typing feel. This makes it a suitable choice for those looking for a more distinctive sound and a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch presents a neutral sound with a touch of chirpiness, along with an exceptionally smooth and polished feel. This switch is ideal for individuals with a lighter typing style who prioritize smoothness and refinement. While the switches have their differences, those seeking similar results can find satisfaction in both options, as they both offer smooth and comfortable typing experiences, albeit with varying intensity in sound and feel.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are looking for a linear switch that offers a crystal clear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile, the Aflion Blue Sky switch would be a great choice for you. With its long pole stem, it provides an exquisitely smooth push feel, making it highly satisfying to type on. Additionally, the Blue Sky has a high-pitched sound, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.

On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lower actuation force and a lighter typing style, the Gateron Ink Red switch would be more suitable for you. These switches are known for their satisfyingly smooth feel and crispy, clacky sound profile. Moreover, the Ink Red switch has a chirpy sound, which adds a unique acoustic signature to your typing experience.

Both switches have a moderate bottom out force of 60 grams, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. They also offer a gentle typing experience and feature a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Ink Red switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as the sound profile, typing style, and overall feel that align with your preferences and needs.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more