Aflion Blue Sky vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Meteor Orange. The Blue Sky is a linear switch that offers a crystal clear typing experience thanks to its long pole stem. With a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch is ideal for those who prefer a high-pitched and neutral typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange is a tactile switch known for its gentleness. Its soft and seductive tactility, combined with a neutral sound profile, provides a pleasant typing experience. Both switches are categorized as mild and polished, which makes them suitable for those who appreciate a refined keyboard feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that will perfectly suit your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Meteor Orange differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Blue Sky utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more resonant and clear sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and the Meteor Orange employ nylon as the material of choice. This material enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of sound quality, both switches share similar characteristics due to the use of nylon for their bottom housings.
In summary, the major difference between the Blue Sky and the Meteor Orange lies in their top housing materials. The Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and more resonant sound, while the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a similar sound profile. Ultimately, the selection between the two switches would depend on personal preferences regarding the desired sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is medium, while the Meteor Orange's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Blue Sky requiring 60 grams and the Meteor Orange requiring 57 grams. In terms of weight, the Blue Sky is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, while the Meteor Orange is lighter in terms of bottom out force.
The actuation force is crucial for determining the force required to trigger a keystroke, and some users may prefer a lighter actuation force like the Blue Sky to allow for longer typing periods without strain. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier actuation force, although the exact force for the Meteor Orange is unknown.
The bottom out force measures the pressure required to press a key all the way down, and both switches have a medium to medium-light bottom out force. So, for users who enjoy a lighter typing experience, both the Blue Sky and the Meteor Orange can provide similar results in terms of bottoming out.
In conclusion, while the Blue Sky and Meteor Orange have different actuation forces, the similarities in bottom out forces mean that users can achieve a comparable typing experience with both switches. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences, with the Blue Sky offering a slightly heavier actuation force and the Meteor Orange providing a lighter bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a keyboard switch refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. It represents the distance that the user feels when they press down on a key. In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it is noteworthy that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4mm. Therefore, when using either switch, users can expect similar results in terms of the distance travelled by the switch. There is no difference in travel distance between the two switches, as they both have a travel distance of 4mm.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched and neutral sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them suitable for those who prefer a brighter sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile without any specific tonal characteristics. Both switches are considered suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.
Moving on to the feel, both the Blue Sky and Meteor Orange switches provide a mild and polished typing experience. A mild switch offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes both switches approachable to most users, as their qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches results in smooth and refined key travel. Reduced friction and smooth key movement can be expected from both the Blue Sky and Meteor Orange switches.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile suitable for various purposes, and they provide a mild and polished typing experience. Therefore, if you are looking for a linear switch with a sparkling sound and crystal clear typing experience, the Blue Sky would be a great choice. Likewise, if you prefer a tactile switch with soft tactility and a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange would be an excellent option.
Conclusion
In closing, to sum up the comparison between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it's important to consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky offers a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange provides a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile, and it also has a thocky characteristic that produces a deep and satisfying sound. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, they both offer a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a gentle and approachable feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will come down to whether you prefer the sparkling and high-pitched sound of the Blue Sky or the soft and thocky sound of the Meteor Orange. Consider your sound and feel preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.