Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gazzew LT. The Blue Sky switch stands out with its long pole stem, delivering a linear typing experience that is both crystal clear and exquisitely smooth. With a sparkling sound profile and a neutral yet high-pitched feel, these switches offer a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches boast an enticing lilac hue and provide a deep, resonant thockiness when typing. With a seamless glide and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, the LT switches create an auditory symphony with every keystroke. While these general descriptions offer a glimpse into the character of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gazzew LT differ in their composition, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Blue Sky utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, its translucent quality makes it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the LT features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which produces a rich and deep sound. The softness of this blend enhances the switch's sound profile, creating a more rounded and mellow tone. While both materials offer unique characteristics, they cater to different preferences in sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Blue Sky incorporates a nylon material, known for its classic switch housing properties. Typing on switches with nylon housings generates a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softness, which allows for greater sound absorption. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Gazzew LT utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also provides a soft and deep sound profile. The "boba plastic" blend effectively mimics the qualities of nylon, delivering a satisfying typing experience. While the choice between nylon and the Gazzew blend may be a matter of personal preference, both materials contribute to a more immersive sound experience.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Blue Sky and LT differ, they each have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are most noticeable. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the switch's overall tactile feedback. On the other hand, the top housing's impact is more evident when you release a key. The material used for the top housing affects the sound profile during key release, contributing to the overall auditory experience. Therefore, while the Aflion Blue Sky and Gazzew LT have distinct housing materials, they both strive to provide a satisfying typing experience by leveraging the unique qualities of their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Blue Sky is 50 grams, while the LT's actuation force is unknown. Both switches fall within the medium force range, but the exact actuation force of the LT remains uncertain. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams, while the LT has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range.
Considering the weight of the switches is crucial for a good typing experience. Some individuals prefer a lighter switch, as it enables them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This is beneficial for professionals who use their keyboards extensively during work or for gamers engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who desire a more substantial typing experience and prefer a switch with a stronger push feel. For these individuals, optiing for switches with heavier forces would be ideal.
While the actuation force of the Blue Sky is known, the exact measurement for the LT remains unavailable. As a result, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of actuation force. However, both switches fall within the medium range, suggesting that users can expect similar results in terms of their typing experience.
In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams, while the LT demands a slightly heavier force at 65 grams. This makes the LT switch slightly heavier in comparison. Therefore, for users seeking a switch with a more substantial bottoming out experience, the LT may be the preferred choice.
In summary, both the Blue Sky and LT switches have medium actuation forces, but the exact measurement of the LT's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams, while the LT demands 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. The choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional option. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Gazzew LT would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more hearty depth, the Aflion Blue Sky with its longer travel distance would be the suitable option. Both switches provide different experiences and it ultimately depends on individual preferences.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is known for its high-pitched and neutral characteristics. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound that is suitable for users who prefer a more vibrant sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound experience. With a lower frequency range, the LT switches deliver a deep and rich sound reminiscent of bass tones. Additionally, the LT switches have a low-pitched sound, which contributes to a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristics of these switches offer a gentle typing experience, making it approachable for most users. With a safe middle-ground feel, the Blue Sky switches provide a balance between feedback and smoothness. Additionally, the Blue Sky switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Gazzew LT linear switch is not provided.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch provides an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness with a bassy sound profile. However, information about the feel of the LT switch is unknown. Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a vibrant and high-pitched sound, as well as a mild and polished typing experience, the Blue Sky switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a switch with a bassy and thocky sound, the Gazzew LT switch may provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-bottom out force switch with a crystal-clear linear typing experience, the Blue Sky switches would be a great choice. These switches offer a sparkling sound profile and a smooth push feel due to their long pole stem design. They are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.
On the other hand, if you're seeking a medium-heavy-bottom out force switch with an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness, the Gazzew LT switches would be the way to go. With their enticing lilac hue, these switches provide a seamless glide and a satisfying sound profile characterized by a deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. Additionally, they offer a lower frequency range and a bass-heavy and mellow tone, adding to the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between Blue Sky and LT switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched and neutral sound profile with a mild and polished feel, opt for the Blue Sky switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, while the LT switches lack specific descriptions for feel, their seamless glide and deep sound profile accommodate those preferences.
In the end, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences, so it's important to consider what sound and feel you're looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch before making a decision. Happy typing!