Aflion Blue Sky vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blue Sky and Dareu Mahjong both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky is a linear switch known for its crystal clear typing experience, high-pitched sound profile, and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Mahjong linear switch stands out with its distinctive green and white color scheme, lively sound signature, and effortless typing experience. While the Blue Sky provides a polished and neutral feel, the Mahjong switch offers a bouncy and mild sensation. These general descriptions can help guide your decision, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POK
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Dareu Mahjong, it is evident that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for providing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, while the Blue Sky utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, the Mahjong also opts for nylon, showcasing a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of this softer plastic. Despite both keyboards using different materials for their bottom housing, the overall sound profiles they produce remain similar in their resonance and depth.
However, where the two keyboards differ is in the materials used for their bottom housing. The Mahjong employs POK (polyketone) for its bottom housing, offering an exceptionally smooth and durable experience. With a coefficient of friction higher than LY, POK ensures a clacky and durable switch that surpasses the wear resistance of POM. Conversely, the Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing provides a softer touch and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. These contrasting materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound quality of each keyboard, showcasing the importance of housing material in keyboard design.
Ultimately, while both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Dareu Mahjong utilize different materials for their bottom housing, their top housings share the common feature of being made of polycarbonate. This consistency in material choice ensures a similar level of clarity, sharpness, and resonance in the sound profiles produced by both keyboards. However, the distinct characteristics of POK and nylon in the bottom housing of the Mahjong and Blue Sky, respectively, contribute to unique typing experiences, with POK offering smoothness and durability, while nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound. These differences highlight the impact that housing materials can have on the overall feel and sound of a keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Sky has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Mahjong's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Blue Sky at 60 grams is higher than the unknown bottom out force of the Mahjong. The Blue Sky provides a medium resistance level, perfect for those who prefer a little more pushback when typing. On the other hand, the Mahjong offers a lighter actuation force, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for smoother typing. Both switches offer their unique advantages, with the Blue Sky catering to those who prefer a slightly heavier feel, while the Mahjong is suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Mahjong has a shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Sky. A travel distance of 4 mm is considered traditional, while 3.4 mm is on the shorter end of the spectrum. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Mahjong for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may opt for the Blue Sky with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and individual typing or gaming style.
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 Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 offers a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches offer a pleasant sound experience, catering to different preferences depending on whether you prefer a sharper or more moderate sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Similar to the Blue Sky switch, the Mahjong switch also offers a mild typing experience and a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, while the Aflion Blue Sky and Dareu Mahjong linear switches differ slightly in their sound and feel qualities, they both provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Both switches offer characteristics that cater to a wide range of preferences, whether you prefer a sharper sound profile or a more moderate one, a gentle typing experience or a bouncy feedback sensation. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel, the Blue Sky switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a lively, poppy sound signature and effortless typing experience, along with a unique aesthetic appeal, then the Mahjong switch would be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns with your personal preferences and typing style to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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