Aflion Blue Sky vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Medium Tactile offer two distinct options for different typing preferences. The Blue Sky is a linear switch that stands out for its long pole stem, providing a smooth and linear typing experience. With a crystal-clear sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch is perfect for those seeking a high-pitched and neutral typing sensation. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile by Durock offers a unique flavor of tactile switch. With a pronounced yet balanced tactility, it delivers a satisfying feedback while typing. Additionally, it boasts a jelly-like sound signature, which adds to the overall typing experience. Categorized as accented, stepped, and mild, this switch offers a polished feel. However, when it comes to choosing the best switch for you, it's essential to dive deeper beyond these generalities and consider your personal typing preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Medium Tactile share similar housing materials, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it advantageous for the use of RGB lighting, allowing for visually appealing effects. Consequently, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic experiences from both switches when it comes to the top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and the Medium Tactile incorporate nylon, a classic switch housing material. Nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is due to the fact that nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, users will experience a similar sound experience and typing feel from both switches when it comes to the bottom housing.
It is worth noting that when a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be divided. In the case of the Blue Sky and the Medium Tactile, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced more by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing. Hence, users can expect slight variations in these aspects between the two switches, based on the differing nylon and polycarbonate distribution.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Aflion Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which fall within the medium range. On the other hand, the actuation force for the Durock Medium Tactile switch is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Blue Sky.
Considering weight as an important factor, some prefer lighter switches like the Blue Sky, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, there are individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. For these users, switches with heavier forces, such as the Durock Medium Tactile, would be a suitable choice.
While the actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch is unknown, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force. Therefore, in terms of the typing experience when pressing all the way down, users can expect similar results with both switches. However, the Durock Medium Tactile will provide a slightly heavier feel compared to the Blue Sky due to its higher bottom out force of 65 grams.
In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky offers a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Durock Medium Tactile has an unknown actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. The choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or stronger push feel during typing.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer similar results, providing a consistent tactile experience during typing. Therefore, users can expect comparable performance when utilizing these switches in their keyboard setups.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience. It has a high-pitched sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience. The switch has reduced friction and smooth key travel due to its smooth and refined finish. Overall, the Blue Sky switch is a great option for those looking for a linear switch with a high-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel.
On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature. Although the exact sound characteristics are not mentioned, it is likely to have a softer and more cushioned sound compared to the Blue Sky switch. The feel of the Medium Tactile switch is described as accented and stepped. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, making it a great choice for tactile switch enthusiasts. With its stepped design, the switch offers some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving it a mild tactile experience. Similar to the Blue Sky switch, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes it suitable for users who prefer a tactile switch with a softer sound and a mild, polished feel.
In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch has a high-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel, while the Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound and a more accented and stepped tactile feel. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with reduced friction. Depending on whether the user prefers a linear or tactile switch, and their sound and feel preferences, they can choose between the Blue Sky and Medium Tactile switches accordingly.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a clear and smooth linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky switches are a great choice. These switches offer a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, making them ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched and neutral sound. Additionally, the Blue Sky switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a gentle and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a flavor of tactility and a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile switches are worth considering. These switches feature a pronounced yet balanced tactility, giving you a pleasant typing experience without being overwhelming. The Medium Tactile switches have a jelly-like sound signature, although further descriptions are not available.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and Durock Medium Tactile switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a sparkling sound profile, go for the Blue Sky switches. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Medium Tactile switches might be the better option for you.
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