Aflion Blue Sky vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a unique typing experience, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Matcha have something to offer. The Blue Sky is a linear switch, known for its crystal clear typing experience and smooth push feel. With a high-pitched and mild sound profile, it offers a polished and neutral typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha is a tactile switch that provides a comfortable and snappy typing experience. Its distinct clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem, adds to the overall satisfaction. The Matcha switch is categorized as stepped, snappy, accented, clacky, feathery, and subtle. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Matcha have distinct differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic appeal from both the Blue Sky and the Matcha due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Blue Sky utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Matcha features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its polycarbonate top housing. This difference in bottom housing materials will have a noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, the Blue Sky and the Matcha may provide similar sound profiles due to their shared polycarbonate top housing. However, the choice of bottom housing materials sets them apart. The Blue Sky with its nylon bottom housing will offer a deeper and fuller sound, while the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing will create a sharper and crisper sound. The tactile experience when pressing down on the switch will be influenced by the bottom housing material, while the sound when releasing a key will be influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, users can choose between the two switches based on their preference for sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Sky has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Matcha's 40 grams, making the Blue Sky slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have a similar medium force required for bottoming out, with the Blue Sky at 60 grams and the Matcha at 45 grams.
In terms of weight, the Matcha is the lighter option, which can be beneficial for those who prefer to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions without feeling fatigued. The lighter actuation force of the Matcha allows for a quicker and less strenuous typing experience.
On the other hand, the Blue Sky provides a stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. This heavier actuation force can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance and tactile feedback while typing. Choosing the Blue Sky would provide a satisfying feeling when pressing down the keys, as it requires a slightly stronger push.
In conclusion, if one desires a lighter touch, the Matcha would be the ideal choice, as it has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force. However, if a more substantial and tactile typing experience is desired, the Blue Sky would be a suitable option, with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer their own advantages, ensuring that users can find the force that suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, your typing experience in terms of travel distance will be similar regardless of whether you choose the Blue Sky or the Matcha switch. Neither of the switches is shorter or longer than the other in terms of travel distance.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 switches provide a high-pitched and crystal clear linear typing experience. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them suitable for those who prefer a more sharp and bright sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switches offer a distinctly clean bottom-out sound due to their long pole stem design. They are described as clacky switches, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switches provide a mild and polished typing experience. These switches offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. They have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished feel makes them approachable to most users as their qualities lie in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switches offer a stepped and snappy tactile feel. Stepped switches provide a two-stage typing experience, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. These switches are also described as accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Matcha switches are snappy and super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. It is important to mention that the Matcha switches do not have a specific descriptor for a polished or feathery feel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switches have a high-pitched sound profile and a mild and polished feel. They offer a crystal clear typing experience with a smooth push feel, making them suitable for those who prefer a more gentle and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switches have a clacky sound profile and a stepped and snappy tactile feel. They provide distinct clean bottom-out sound and a medium amount of tactility. While the Blue Sky switches offer a linear experience, the Matcha switches offer a tactile experience. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences. However, it is important to consider other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps in order to achieve the desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a sparkling sound profile, the Aflion Blue Sky is a great choice. Its long pole stem offers a crystal clear typing experience and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and enjoy a comfortable, snappy tactility, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is the way to go. With its long pole stem, you can expect a distinctly clean bottom-out sound. The Blue Sky switch is best known for its high-pitched and neutral sound profile, while the Matcha switch is described as clacky. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a safe middle-ground zone for sound and feel. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is known for its stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and KTT Matcha switches depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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