Aflion Blue Sky vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Meteor White, both of which are linear switches. The Blue Sky is renowned for its long pole stem, providing users with a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch is categorized as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Meteor White offers a more subdued experience. Easy to push and producing a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile, this switch has a soft type feel and sound profile. It is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique advantages, but to truly determine the best fit for your needs, it is essential to delve deeper into their specific nuances. So, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision on the ideal switch for you.
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Meteor White switches differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profile. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Blue Sky produces a sharper and more resonant sound, the Meteor White delivers a deeper and fuller sound.
Regarding the bottom housings, both the Blue Sky and the Meteor White employ nylon, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Thus, the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches are likely to be quite similar due to their shared nylon bottom housing. However, it is important to note that the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
When it comes to the impact on sound upon releasing a key, the top housing material plays a more significant role. While the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a distinct sound when letting go of a key, the impact felt with the Meteor White's nylon top housing may differ. The polycarbonate's stiffness and the nylon's softness create variances in the release sound between the two switches.
In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky and SP-Star Meteor White switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the Meteor White's nylon top housing generates a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a similar sound profile in terms of their nylon bottom housing. The impact of the housing materials on the sound upon key release also varies, with the top housing having a more pronounced effect.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is important to consider their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Blue Sky switch is 50 grams, providing a moderate amount of force required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Meteor White switch is unknown, making it difficult to determine a direct comparison. However, the bottom out force of the Blue Sky switch is 60 grams, indicating a slightly heavier push required to fully press the key. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it slightly lighter in comparison.
Weight is a significant factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Some individuals prefer lighter switches, such as the Meteor White, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This is especially beneficial for those who use a keyboard for extended periods at work or during intense gaming sessions. Conversely, others may prefer a more substantial typing experience and choose switches with heavier forces, like the Blue Sky. These switches provide a stronger push feel, which can be preferred by individuals seeking a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, while the actuation force and bottom out force vary between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation. The Blue Sky switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Meteor White switch is lighter in comparison, offering extended typing comfort. Therefore, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on individual preference for typing force and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom when pressed down on a key. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when using either of these switches.
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 White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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 switch is best described as having a high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound. This makes them a great choice for those who prefer a more vibrant and clear typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch has a more neutral sound profile. These switches offer a moderate sound when pressed, making them suitable for most purposes. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or whether you plan to use them at home or work, the Meteor White switches will provide a pleasant and balanced sound.
When it comes to feel, both the Blue Sky and Meteor White switches have a mild typing experience. This means that they offer a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The actuation force required for these switches is moderate, ensuring comfortable and effortless typing. Additionally, both switches can be considered polished, providing a smooth and refined finish. As a result, you can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel with either the Blue Sky or Meteor White switches.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky and SP-Star Meteor White switches have similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer a pleasant and gentle linear typing experience with a mild actuation force requirement. The Blue Sky switches are known for their high-pitched sound profile, while the Meteor White switches have a more neutral sound. Additionally, both switches are polished, providing a smooth and sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch with its 60 grams force is a great choice. This switch offers a crystal clear and sparkling sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a high-pitched and sharp sound when typing. Additionally, the Blue Sky provides an exquisitely smooth push feel, thanks to its long pole stem. If you prioritize a soft and gentle typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, this switch is slightly lighter than the Blue Sky. It offers a subdued and pitter-patter sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a neutral or thocky sound. Both switches have a mild and polished feel, ensuring a comfortable and sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Meteor White comes down to personal preferences on sound and force requirements.
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