Aflion Blue Sky vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blue Sky and Keygeek Keylin linear switches present two compelling options, both celebrated for their smooth typing experiences but differentiated by their unique characteristics. The Aflion Blue Sky switch stands out with its long pole stem, delivering a crystal clear linear typing feel complemented by a sparkling sound profile that can evoke a more dynamic typing experience. Its categorization as 'High-pitched,' 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' and 'Polished' speaks to its versatility and refined acoustic qualities. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin switch boasts a premium typing experience with rich acoustics, made possible by innovative molding techniques that enhance its overall smoothness. While both switches cater to those who prefer linearity in their keystrokes, the Blue Sky excels in sound clarity and brightness, whereas the Keylin focuses on delivering a creamy, rich sound and feel. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Keygeek Keylin, a notable distinction arises in their top housings. The Blue Sky employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, largely due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material's translucency is also advantageous for illuminating RGB lighting, as it enhances visibility and aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Keylin utilizes nylon for its top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound. While both types of housing serve the function of enclosing the switch mechanism, their different materials lead to varied auditory experiences, particularly affecting the sound produced when keys are released.
Both switches do share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as both the Aflion Blue Sky and Keygeek Keylin utilize nylon. This creates a uniformity in the sound profile upon key press, as the nylon's softer nature dampens the sound, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory effect when the key bottoms out. The presence of nylon in both models ensures that the effects of the bottom housing dominate the tactile experience, as it absorbs vibrations and contributes to a more forgiving typing feel. Therefore, despite differences in the top housing materials, users can expect a familiar tactile response and sound quality when pressing the keys due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
In conclusion, while the top housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and Keygeek Keylin lead to different auditory profiles—sharp and crisp versus deep and full—their common use of nylon in the bottom housing provides a consistency in the overall typing experience. For users, this means that the notable differences in sound and feel primarily hinge upon the type of top housing utilized. When tactile and auditory sensations are considered, it becomes evident that the characteristics imparted by both housings engage distinct aspects of the typing experience, ultimately allowing for an array of preferences based on the materials used.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there is a notable distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aflion Blue Sky requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a medium resistance that is likely to cater to users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. Consequently, those who favor a lighter switch may find the Keylin more comfortable, while others who enjoy a firmer push might opt for the Blue Sky for its added weight and feedback. Overall, the Keygeek Keylin is the lighter switch, while the Aflion Blue Sky is the heavier choice, providing clear differences in user experience based on these specifications.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch measures 4 mm, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction highlights the difference in user experience between the two switches: the Blue Sky, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more traditional and tactile feel, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper key press. In contrast, the Keylin’s shorter travel distance caters to those who prefer quicker response times, often favored by gamers who rely on fast and efficient keystrokes. Consequently, if you opt for the Aflion Blue Sky, you'll experience that hearty depth, whereas the Keygeek Keylin will offer a more abrupt action, which could feel more responsive for rapid gameplay. Therefore, if key press feel and responsiveness are paramount in your decision-making, choosing between these switches becomes a matter of personal preference concerning key travel distance.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 linear switch stands out with its high-pitched and neutral sound profile. The high-pitched quality offers a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that can be particularly appealing to users who prefer a brighter sound without the deeper, more bass-heavy tones found in other switches. Alternatively, the neutral sound profile makes it versatile enough to suit a variety of environments, whether for gaming, typing at work, or casual use at home. In contrast, details regarding the Keygeek Keylin switch's sound characteristics remain unspecified, making it difficult to directly compare. However, it is known to provide rich acoustics, indicating a potentially fuller sound that could align with the preferences of users who enjoy a more resonant aural experience.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky linear switch presents a typing experience characterized by mildness and polish. Its mild nature creates a gentle typing experience that is inviting for both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. Moreover, the polished finish of the switch ensures a smooth key travel, resulting in reduced friction and enhancing overall typing enjoyment. In contrast, descriptions for the Keylin switch’s feel have not been provided, but given its branding as delivering a premium typing experience, one might expect it to also emphasize smoothness, although specifics can't be confirmed without additional information.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch provides clear audible and tactile qualities characterized by a sparkling sound and polished feel, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch's premium offer points to a focus on smoothness and rich acoustics. Without explicit details on the Keylin's sound and feel metrics, the Aflion Blue Sky remains the more clearly defined choice, yet both switches are likely aimed at users who appreciate a refined linear action. The choice between them could ultimately boil down to personal preference regarding sound and the subtler nuances of their tactile sensations.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a medium actuation force and are looking for a smooth, polished typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Aflion Blue Sky may be the better option for you. Its longer pole stem provides enhanced clarity in each keystroke, making it ideal for environments where a distinctive acoustic response is appreciated, like in gaming or creative work. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a bottom out force of just 48 grams, and you want a switch that allows for easy typing with a premium feel, the Keylin will likely suit your needs better. Its focus on rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness makes it a perfect choice for long typing sessions, whether for work or casual use. Ultimately, consider how your typing style and sound preferences align with these switches to make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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