Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron Mars offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, delivering a crystal clear linear typing feel complemented by a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push. This switch is characterized by its high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished qualities, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a responsive and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches introduce innovative features with their unique POK stem design and a housing constructed from a blend of Nylon and POM, promising durability and a smooth keystroke. While both switches cater to users who prefer a linear feel, the Blue Sky shines with its sound profile, while the Mars focuses on innovative materials and construction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
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
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron Mars switches, the primary difference in housing materials significantly influences their respective sound profiles. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer characteristics. This translucency also ensures that RGB lighting shines vibrantly through the switch. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a softer, deeper, and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference shapes the overall acoustic attributes of each switch, with the Blue Sky favoring brightness and clarity while the Mars leans towards warmth and depth.
Beneath the surface, both switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their bottom housings, which also contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Blue Sky features a nylon bottom housing, which complements the top housing by producing a deeper sound when pressing the switch down. This combination creates a harmonious balance between the crisper top and the fuller bottom, allowing for an engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Mars is equipped with POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, known for its ability to create a muted yet pleasing sound profile. This results in a more cohesive sound when typing, as the POM provides a neutral response that enhances the overall depth while masking some of the sharper frequencies present in the nylon.
Considering the uniqueness of the different materials used in the top and bottom housings, both switches deliver appealing sound experiences, albeit from opposing ends of the acoustic spectrum. If the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, as seen with the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron Mars, one can expect the typing experience to reflect the combined qualities of both materials. In the case of the Blue Sky, the nylon bottom enhances the clarity of the polycarbonate top, yielding a balanced feel, while the Gateron Mars benefits from POM's muted resonation, adding warmth to the nylon top. Both switches aim for an engaging and enjoyable experience, albeit tailored to different sound preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch differ in their actuation forces, with the Blue Sky requiring a slightly heavier force of 50 grams compared to the 45 grams needed for the Mars switch. This makes the Gateron Mars the lighter option, which can be advantageous for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it may reduce finger fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, while the Blue Sky has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Blue Sky offers a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a heavier feel. Without the bottom out force for the Mars switch, a direct comparison cannot be made regarding how it behaves at maximum pressure, but users can expect a lighter overall actuation feel from the Mars switch. Overall, for those who favor lighter key presses, the Gateron Mars is the preferred choice, while those seeking a more robust typing experience might lean towards the Aflion Blue Sky.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Aflion Blue Sky features a travel distance of 4 mm, offering a more traditional feel that some users may find more satisfying for typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which aligns with the trend towards quicker response times favored by gamers. This subtle difference in travel distance means that users who prefer a deeper and more pronounced keypress may gravitate towards the Aflion Blue Sky, while those who seek rapid activation might prefer the Mars. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch produces a sound profile that can be categorized as high-pitched and neutral. The high-pitched tonal quality offers a sharp and crisp audio feedback during use, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer brighter sounds over rich and bassy profiles often found in other switches. The neutral aspect of its sound means it has a moderate actuation force requirement, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The overall sound impression of the Blue Sky switches is clear and bright, appealing to users who appreciate acoustic clarity in their typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Mars switch is noted for its innovative design, but specific sound characteristics are not provided, leaving the auditory experience for this switch somewhat uncertain.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch is characterized as mild and polished. The mild feature suggests a more gentle typing experience, which is suitable for users who may be sensitive to feedback intensity. The polished nature indicates that these switches have a smooth finish that reduces friction, resulting in a seamless key travel. This combination fosters a comfortable and enjoyable typing session, ideal for long hours of use. The feel of the Gateron Mars switch is not explicitly detailed, leaving a gap in the understanding of its tactile characteristics compared to the Blue Sky's refined typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a well-defined sound and an exceptionally smooth feel, the Gateron Mars switch's qualities remain largely unspecified. If you prioritize a bright sound and a refined typing experience, the Blue Sky is a strong contender. However, since the sound profile of the Mars is not detailed, if both switches exhibit similar auditory characteristics, you can expect comparable experiences in environments that complement their respective designs. Until more information is available about the Gateron Mars switch, the choice may lean toward the Blue Sky for those who value clarity and smoothness in both sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you choose the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch or the Gateron Mars linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and use cases. If you appreciate a tactile yet smooth typing experience with a distinctive high-pitched sound profile, the Blue Sky switch would be an excellent fit for you. This switch is particularly advantageous for those who enjoy a well-balanced feel and sound, making it suitable for both gaming and typing tasks at home or in the office. On the other hand, if you're interested in experimenting with innovative designs and want to explore a different tactile experience, the Gateron Mars switches might be worth considering. While specific details on the Mars switches are less defined, they incorporate unique materials and structures that promise a distinct feel and potentially cater to those who prioritize innovation and a lightweight design. Ultimately, it’s crucial to weigh these factors against your own typing style and preferences to find the switch that brings you the most joy in your keyboard experience.
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