Aflion Blue Sky vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Koala offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. 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, neutral switch with a polished finish. On the other hand, the Koala is a tactile switch that provides a pronounced bump without being too overwhelming, appealing to users who enjoy a low-pitched, accented switch with a stepped tactility. While the Blue Sky offers a more traditional linear typing experience, the Koala strikes a balance between tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Koala are quite similar, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Additionally, both keyboards feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. While the materials used for the top and bottom housings are the same for both switches, the distribution of these materials may affect the overall typing experience differently.
Despite their similarities in housing materials, the Aflion Blue Sky and Durock Koala may still offer distinctive typing experiences due to the distribution of their top and bottom housing materials. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the polycarbonate top housing will affect the sound when a key is released. This division of material characteristics between the top and bottom housings emphasizes the importance of balance and harmony in creating a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the slight variations in housing material distribution may lead to nuanced differences in sound and feel between the two switches.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Koala share similarities in their housing materials of polycarbonate and nylon, the distribution of these materials within each switch may result in unique typing experiences. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles with the polycarbonate top housing creating a sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the typing experience can help enthusiasts choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and feel. Whether seeking a brighter sound profile or a deeper typing experience, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in shaping the overall performance of the keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, we can see some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Sky has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Koala, whose actuation force is unlisted. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams, while the Koala is heavier at 67 grams. This makes the Koala a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Blue Sky would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches provide users with options based on their personal preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means they provide a similar typing experience in terms of distance. While both switches offer the same travel distance, the Blue Sky is a linear switch, providing a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, while the Koala is a tactile switch, offering a bump that you can feel when typing. This means that despite having the same travel distance, the typing experience may feel different between the two switches due to the tactile feedback provided by the Koala. Overall, whether you prefer a linear or tactile switch, both the Blue Sky and Koala offer a comfortable typing experience with a 4 mm 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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 offers a high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound that may appeal to those who prefer a brighter tone. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch provides a low-pitched sound, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, suitable for those who prefer a deeper sound profile. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile overall, making them versatile options for various typing preferences. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's structure and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Sky switch is characterized by a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. With a polished finish, this switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch also features a polished finish for a sleek typing experience, along with accented and stepped characteristics. This means that the Koala switch offers a medium amount of tactility, providing a noticeable bump without being overwhelming, and a tactile sensation that feels like it has two stages.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky switch delivers a high-pitched sound and mild feel, while the Koala switch provides a low-pitched sound and a slightly more pronounced tactile feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and typing experience, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch, as they both offer polished finishes for a smooth typing feel. Ultimately, it's essential to consider your individual preferences and typing style when selecting between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who leans towards a more gentle and smooth typing experience, you may want to choose the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch. The Blue Sky offers a polished and mild typing feel with a high-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a clear and crisp keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a pronounced bump that doesn't overpower the entire keystroke, the Durock Koala tactile switch may be more suitable for you. The Koala offers a polished and accented typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, providing a balance between tactility and smoothness. Ultimately, your choice between the Blue Sky and Koala will depend on whether you prioritize a linear typing feel with a sparkling sound or a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump.
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