Aflion Blue Sky vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may have come across the Aflion Blue Sky and the TKC Kiwi. On one hand, the Blue Sky is a linear switch known for its crystal clear typing experience and smooth push feel. It offers a high-pitched sound profile and a neutral, mild, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Kiwi is a tactile switch designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It boasts a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and is lightly factory lubed for effortless typing right out of the box. While these general descriptions can help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the TKC Kiwi offer distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The Blue Sky utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that provides a very bright sound signature. When typing on switches with UHWMPE housings, users can expect resonant clacks during key presses.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Blue Sky employs a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Thanks to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Kiwi incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing. Like its top housing counterpart, UHWMPE brings a bright sound signature to the switch. Typing on switches with UHWMPE bottom housings allows users to experience resonant clacks and impactful bottom-out sound and feel.
Despite the differences in housing materials, the impact on the overall typing experience is worth noting. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Both the Blue Sky and the Kiwi possess unique qualities in their respective housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. Whether it be the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the resonant clacks and brighter sound signature of UHWMPE, these switches provide users with an enriched typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences between the two. The Blue Sky exhibits an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be categorized as medium. On the other hand, the Kiwi has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy.
Considering weight, lighter switches like the Blue Sky are favored by individuals who value extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as they require less effort to actuate. The Blue Sky fulfills this preference, allowing users to type effortlessly for longer durations. In contrast, the Kiwi provides users with a stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. This option is preferred by those who enjoy a heavier force while typing, providing a satisfying tactile sensation that some find more enjoyable.
While both switches fall within the medium range, the weight of the Kiwi switch is slightly heavier overall due to its higher bottom out force. Individuals seeking a lighter typing experience would find the Blue Sky more suitable, while those desiring a heavier and more pronounced keystroke would lean towards the Kiwi.
In terms of actuation force and bottom out force, these switches offer varied options to cater to different preferences. Choosing between them depends on individual typing habits and personal preferences for force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same 4 mm of travel. Therefore, both switches offer similar results in terms of 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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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
The Blue Sky linear switch is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience, offering a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel. It is described as having a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This type of switch is suitable for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky has a mild characteristic, providing a more gentle typing experience. It is also described as polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is designed to enhance the typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It offers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, delivering a truly immersive typing experience. The Kiwi switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This switch is suitable for those who prefer a softer and mellower sound profile. In terms of feel, the Kiwi switch is stepped, providing a tactile feedback that feels like it has two stages. It is also accented, offering a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Like the Blue Sky, the Kiwi switch is also described as polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Blue Sky linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky provides a high-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel, while the Kiwi offers a low-pitched sound and a stepped, accented, polished feel. Both switches are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky switch would be a fantastic choice. With its long pole stem, it offers a crystal clear linear typing experience and a sparkling sound profile. The smooth push feel of these switches provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the TKC Kiwi switch would be an ideal option. These switches enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, delivering a truly immersive and snappy sound profile. The Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. When it comes to sound, the Blue Sky switch offers a high-pitched or neutral option, while the Kiwi switch provides a low-pitched or neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch has a mild and polished characteristic, providing a gentle and sleek typing experience, while the Kiwi switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel, giving a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and TKC Kiwi switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Whether you prioritize clarity, smoothness, or a satisfying typing experience, both switches have their own unique qualities to offer.
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