Aflion Blue Sky vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Mallo stand out as excellent options in their respective categories. The Blue Sky is praised for its linear typing experience, offering a smooth push feel and a sparkling sound profile. On the other hand, the Mallo showcases finesse in its tactile design, providing a subtle tactility for feedback without being overpowering. The Blue Sky is best suited for those who prefer a high-pitched and polished typing experience, while the Mallo caters to typists who enjoy a feathery and subdued tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Mallo feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plays a significant role in creating a more resonant sound, making it an ideal material for enhancing the typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and the Mallo utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a smoother and rounder typing experience. By incorporating nylon in the bottom housing, both switches are able to create a satisfying sound and tactile response for users to enjoy.
While both switches share similar housing materials, the distribution of these materials within the switches can impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. By carefully considering the qualities of each housing material and how they interact, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Mallo are able to deliver a balanced and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Blue Sky has a lower bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while the Blue Sky requires more force to initially actuate a keystroke, it requires less force to bottom out compared to the Mallo. This makes the Blue Sky switch a bit heavier overall in terms of typing experience. Some users may prefer the Blue Sky for its slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing feel, while others may prefer the Mallo for its lighter bottom out force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The travel distance for both switches is equal, resulting in similar typing experiences in terms of key press depth. Users can expect consistent tactile feedback and key actuation across both switches, making them equally suitable choices for those looking for a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature that is not overpowering, making it suitable for various typing environments. The Mallo also offers a subdued sound, which is dampened and more subtle compared to most switches. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, ensuring versatility for different users and settings.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switch provides a mild and polished typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing feel. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch offers a feathery and mild typing experience, being exceptionally light to press and comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Mallo switch also features a stepped tactile feel, giving it a two-stage sensation with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best suited for those who prefer a high-pitched and crystal clear linear typing experience with a polished feel. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch is ideal for users looking for a neutral sound profile, gentle tactility, and a versatile tactile typing experience with a subtle sound signature. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky and KTT Mallo switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a crystal clear linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Blue Sky switch with its high-pitched sound profile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactility and medium-light bottom out force with a more subdued sound signature, the Mallo switch offers a balanced typing experience suitable for various settings. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal typing style and the sound profile you find most comfortable. Choose wisely based on your preferences and needs.
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