Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Luciola. The Blue Sky is a linear switch known for its crystal clear typing experience and smooth push feel, with a high-pitched and polished sound profile. On the other hand, the Luciola is a linear switch that stands out with its glowing appearance in the dark. It offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. While these general characteristics may give you a sense of what each switch has to offer, let's delve deeper into their specific features, benefits, and individual preferences, so you can make an informed decision on which switch is the best fit for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Luciola differ in terms of their composition. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic produces a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials result in distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Blue Sky provides a crisper tone compared to the Luciola's INK blend.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Blue Sky utilizes a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Luciola features its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound. Although both housings offer distinctive sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing in the Blue Sky generates a deeper and more resonant sound compared to the relatively clackier sound produced by the INK blend in the Luciola.

When it comes to the overall experience of pressing down and releasing a key, the differences between the top and bottom housings come into play. With the Blue Sky, the characteristics of the bottom housing are more pronounced during the pressing down of the switch. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. For the Luciola, the same principles apply, as the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the materials used in the top and bottom housings differ between the Blue Sky and Luciola, the way they impact typing and sound experiences remains similar in terms of the division of qualities between the top and bottom of the switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. In terms of actuation force, the Blue Sky requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Luciola requires slightly more at 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches have an equal force requirement of 60 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Sky switch may be the better option as it has a slightly lower actuation force compared to the Luciola. This lighter actuation force allows for easier and smoother keystrokes, which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, if a user prefers a stronger and more substantial typing feel, the Luciola switch would be more suitable as it requires a slightly heavier force to trigger a keystroke. This can provide a satisfying tactile feedback for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance in their typing experience.

It's worth noting that while the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly between the two switches, they both fall within the medium range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and experience, regardless of whether they choose the Blue Sky or Luciola switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Blue Sky has a more traditional travel distance, while the Luciola is on the shallower end. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, tend to prefer shorter travel distances. In this case, the Luciola would be the preferred choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Blue Sky's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired level of key press responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them perfect for those who prefer a more treble-heavy sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a range of sound qualities, including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. These switches provide a unique auditory experience, with sharp and snappy sounds, along with a hint of squeakiness. 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. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences. If you are looking for a high-pitched sound, the Blue Sky switch is the way to go, while the Luciola switch provides a diverse range of sound options.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a mild and polished typing experience. With its gentle characteristics, these switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing feel that suits most users. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch features a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gateron Luciola linear switch provides a snappy and buttery typing experience. These switches are highly responsive, making the typing experience feel more alive. With their smooth and fluid keystrokes, the Luciola switches offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Like the Blue Sky switch, the Luciola switch is also polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a pleasant and satisfying typing feel, making them great options for users who prioritize comfort and smoothness.

Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch present different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch stands out for its high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished typing feel, with its gentle characteristics and smooth finish. On the other hand, the Luciola switch offers a range of sound options, including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, allowing for a diverse auditory experience. The Luciola switch also provides a snappy and buttery typing feel, with its high responsiveness and smooth keystrokes. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities and can cater to different user preferences. If you are looking for a high-pitched sound and mild typing feel, the Blue Sky switch is a great choice. However, if you want a range of sound options and a snappy, buttery typing feel, the Luciola switch is worth considering.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, you can consider both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Luciola switches. The Blue Sky switch is known for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear and smooth typing experience, along with a sparkling sound profile. On the other hand, the Luciola switch stands out with its eye-catching glow in the dark feature, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile.

If sound is an important factor for you, the Blue Sky switch offers a choice between a high-pitched or neutral profile. The high-pitched option produces sharp and crisp sounds when pressed, while the neutral option provides a moderate sound suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Luciola switch offers a range of sound profiles, including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, allowing you to choose based on your preference.

In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Luciola switch, on the other hand, is described as snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a super responsive and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and seamless typing sensation.

Ultimately, your choice between the Blue Sky and Luciola switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Consider whether you prefer a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile or an eye-catching glow in the dark switch with a smooth and bouncy feel and a distinctive sound profile. With these factors in mind, you can find the perfect switch to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that suits your typing style and brings the most enjoyment to your daily keyboard use.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more