Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Melodic offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky is a linear switch known for its crystal clear typing experience, providing a high-pitched and polished sound profile with a neutral and mild feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that redefines the category with its buttery and resonant typing experience, offering an invigorating and crunchy sound profile. While the Blue Sky is ideal for those who prefer a smooth and linear typing experience, the Melodic is perfect for users who enjoy the classic clicky sound and 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Melodic both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. This means that both switches will likely offer a similar sound profile and visual appeal when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Blue Sky utilizes nylon, while the Melodic also features nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. In this aspect, both switches will offer a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nylon bottom housing.
In terms of overall performance and feel, the split of housing materials in the switches will impact how they sound and feel when typing. The qualities of the bottom housing material will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material will influence the sound when a key is released. This means that while both the Blue Sky and the Melodic may offer a similar sound profile with their polycarbonate top housings, the nylon bottom housings will contribute to a deeper and fuller typing experience unique to each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is evident that the Blue Sky has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Gateron Melodic's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Sky may be the preferred choice due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Melodic, as it has a heavier bottom out force. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and feel of the switches, catering to different preferences and needs of the user.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches will offer a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This consistency in travel distance between the two switches can provide a uniform typing experience for users, regardless of which switch they choose to use. Additionally, the identical travel distance can help users transition between keyboards equipped with either the Blue Sky or Melodic switches without having to adjust their typing style. Ultimately, whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Melodic switch or the smooth linear feel of the Blue Sky switch, you can expect the travel distance to be the same for both.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched and neutral sound profile, creating a sharp and crisp typing experience suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound, immersing users in a clean and sharp auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. The sound produced by each switch is unique, giving users distinct audio feedback based on their preference and environment.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined key press with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. Both switches offer different tactile sensations that cater to individual preferences in typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that appeal to different users. Whether you prefer a high-pitched and mild typing experience or a resonant and invigorating one, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your typing performance. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, choosing either switch will result in a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a high-pitched and neutral sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing experience, the Blue Sky switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a resonant and crunchy sound profile, paired with a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, the Gateron Melodic switch could be the better option for your mechanical keyboard setup. Evaluate your typing preferences and choose the switch that best fits your personal typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what feels and sounds best to you as you type away on your mechanical keyboard.
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