Aflion Blue Sky vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky switch boasts a crystal clear linear typing experience with a long pole stem, providing a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switch from Everglide offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky typing experience and a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. While the Blue Sky switch is categorized as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished', the Lightning Silver V3 switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences in 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, we see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Blue Sky features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, enhancing its clear and sharp sound profile.
While the Blue Sky and the Lightning Silver V3 share the same polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housings offer distinct sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the Blue Sky creates a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the sharper and clearer sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3. This difference in bottom housing material affects the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch are influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing for a more resonant sound profile and aesthetic appeal with RGB lighting.
In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 each offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The combination of polycarbonate top housing in both switches results in a similar sharp and crisp sound, perfect for those looking for a high-pitched typing experience. However, the choice of nylon bottom housing in the Blue Sky and polycarbonate bottom housing in the Lightning Silver V3 creates distinct differences in the depth and fullness of the sound produced. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their individual housing material selections.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch both have medium bottom out forces of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience when fully pressed. However, the Blue Sky has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 48 grams. This difference may result in a slightly lighter feel when typing on the Lightning Silver V3, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming where lighter actuation forces are preferred. On the other hand, the Blue Sky's higher actuation force might be more appealing to those who prefer a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer similar bottom out forces, ensuring a solid keystroke feel, but the slight variation in actuation force may cater to different preferences in typing pressure.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Blue Sky offers a standard 4 mm travel distance, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a slightly shorter 3.4 mm distance. This means that the Blue Sky requires a slightly deeper press compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more tactile feel might opt for the Blue Sky. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 and crystal clear typing experience, whereas the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound signature. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Blue Sky would be the better option, while the Lightning Silver V3 is ideal for those seeking a more percussive and snappy sound. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, with a more gentle and refined feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a silky and exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness. If you prefer a smoother typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 would be your go-to choice, while the Blue Sky provides a polished and approachable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches each offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you opt for the Blue Sky, you can expect a high-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky, high-pitched sound and a silky, smooth feel. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, so ultimately, the choice between them will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch or the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched sound with a crystal clear linear typing experience and a medium bottom out force, the Blue Sky switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience and a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, the Lightning Silver V3 switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you prefer and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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