Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves exploring the nuanced differences between options like the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Magnetic Jade. The Aflion Blue Sky, a linear switch, is celebrated for its long pole stem that delivers a crystal clear typing experience with a smooth push feel. Its high-pitched, mild, and polished sound profile makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is designed for a vibrant and clacky sound, making it a stellar option for gamers and typists looking to enhance their auditory feedback while typing. Its superior acoustics and tactile feedback make it particularly appealing for users seeking an immersive experience on their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. While both switches cater to distinct preferences—offering smoothness and subtlety versus auditory excitement and responsiveness—each comes with its own set of advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$8.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches share notable similarities in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings, both of which are made from polycarbonate. This shared material lends both switches a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which generates a clear and resonant acoustic feedback. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from polycarbonate's translucency, making them ideal for setups utilizing RGB lighting, as the light can pass through the housing, illuminating the interior with striking visual effects. This similarity ensures that users will experience a comparable auditory and visual sensation when utilizing either switch in a keyboard.

Contrastingly, the bottom housings of the Blue Sky and Magnetic Jade are both crafted from nylon, a material associated with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to nylon's softer composition, it effectively absorbs sound, leading to a duller, rounder auditory experience compared to the sharper characteristics of polycarbonate. This absorption differs from the resonant qualities of the polycarbonate top housing, creating a distinct sound profile upon key press and release. The impact of the bottom housing's nylon construction is particularly pronounced when bottoming out, delivering a tactile experience that's softer and more muted, amplifying the overall typing feel of both switches.

When evaluated together, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches results in unique yet complementary sound profiles that blend crispness with warmth. The firm, resonant qualities of the polycarbonate create a sharp note when keys are released, while the nylon bottoms soften the sound at the bottom-out point, making each typing experience richer. Thus, players and typists can expect a harmonious blending of acoustics, where the strengths of each material are showcased, leading to similar but distinguishable auditory results that enhance the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, distinct differences emerge in their characteristics. The Aflion Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is lighter, featuring a 30-gram actuation force and a 55-gram bottom out force, classified as medium-light. This means the Blue Sky requires more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Magnetic Jade, making the latter more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the bottom out force of the Magnetic Jade is lower than that of the Blue Sky, the differing actuation forces highlight the varied tactile experiences these switches provide; the Blue Sky offers a heavier, more substantial feel, whereas the Magnetic Jade delivers a more effortless typing experience. Thus, users seeking a lighter switch should gravitate towards the Gateron Magnetic Jade for its softer actuation and minimal bottoming out effort.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the Aflion Blue Sky features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Blue Sky provides a deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feel when typing. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers and others who prioritize quick response times and swift key actuation. Therefore, if you value a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Aflion Blue Sky is the better choice. Alternatively, if you lean towards a more responsive experience, the Gateron Magnetic Jade might be more suitable for your needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Aflion Blue Sky switch is characterized by a high-pitched quality, producing a sharp and crisp sound which can be quite pleasing, especially for users who prefer a more bright and clear auditory feedback. Additionally, it maintains a neutral aspect that makes it versatile across various environments, whether at home or at work. This means that while it excels in clarity, it won’t be overwhelming in any setting. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch is known for its bright and clacky sound. This characteristic is perfect for enhancing the auditory experience, especially on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, catering to users who seek a pronounced acoustic effect during their typing sessions.

In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch stands out with its mild and polished characteristics. The mild profile provides a gentler typing experience that appeals to a broad range of users, making it approachable and comfortable for extended use. The polished nature of the switch indicates a refined finish, likely due to high-quality materials or factory lubing, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. In contrast, while the specific feel attributes of the Magnetic Jade switches are unknown, their reputation as top choices for superior typing experiences suggests that they might offer a level of tactile feedback that aligns well with user desires for engagement and responsiveness.

In conclusion, both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that can appeal to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Aflion Blue Sky is particularly appealing for those who appreciate clarity in sound and a smooth, gentle feel, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade provides a more clacky auditory signature that could enhance the typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on the sound and feel qualities you prioritize in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch should be guided by your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a medium actuation force and a typing experience that feels polished and mild, the Blue Sky switches may be your best bet. They deliver a smooth, crystal-clear typing experience with a high-pitched, sparkling sound profile that makes them versatile for both home and office environments. Conversely, if you're seeking a brighter, more clacky sound with a medium-light actuation force, the Magnetic Jade switches are a fantastic choice. These switches provide a unique tactile sensation and superior acoustics, particularly suited for gaming or intensive typing scenarios where auditory feedback can enhance your engagement. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you: the refined, neutral attributes of the Blue Sky or the dynamic and lively characteristics of the Magnetic Jade.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$8.00 per 10

Learn more