Aflion Blue Sky vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the type of switch you choose can significantly impact your typing experience. The Aflion Blue Sky switch, a linear option, is celebrated for its long pole stem, delivering a crystal-clear typing experience characterized by a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, a tactile switch developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, provides a refined tactile experience, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that enhances feedback with each keystroke. If you prefer a quiet and seamless typing experience, the Blue Sky’s linear action might be your best choice. Conversely, if you enjoy the satisfying feedback of tactile performance, the Cherry MX Purple RGB could be more appealing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switches exemplify distinct acoustic characteristics based on their construction. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The nature of polycarbonate as a stiffer plastic allows sound waves to resonate more fully, resulting in a clearer auditory signal, especially appealing when RGB lighting is integrated due to its translucency. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer than polycarbonate, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material absorbs more sound waves, producing a sound that is rounder and less sharp, indicating that while both switches are designed for optimal performance, they cater to different auditory preferences.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Aflion Blue Sky and Cherry MX Purple RGB utilize nylon, giving them similarities in this area. This shared material ensures that users will experience a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the differences in their top housings. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material, it effectively dampens sound, which affects the bottom-out feel and sound the user experiences when pressing the keys. Even with the variations in the top housings, the nylon bottom housing guarantees that both switches will retain a certain level of sound quality anchored by the inherent properties of the material.
Overall, while the Aflion Blue Sky and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, their nylon construction in the bottom housing bridges the gap between the two. The polycarbonate top of the Blue Sky promotes a more resonant and elevated sound profile, while the softer nylon top of the Cherry MX emphasizes a rounder sound. However, both switches share the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper sound quality that remains consistent across the two models. Therefore, users can achieve specific auditory experiences whether they prefer the sharp, crisp sound of polycarbonate or the deeper tones accentuated by nylon, solidifying that both switches can cater to unique sound preferences while maintaining a cohesive base.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we see distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Aflion Blue Sky requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a switch with medium resistance. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press. However, the bottom out force for the MX Purple is unspecified, leaving an incomplete picture for comparison in that regard. This lack of data means we can't directly assess how it feels when fully pressed down. For typists or gamers who prefer a lighter switch, the Cherry MX Purple might be more suitable. Conversely, those who favor a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Aflion Blue Sky with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, which provide a firmer tactile response.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that the distance you feel when pressing down on these keys is identical. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users can expect comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness when using either switch. Therefore, whether you opt for the Aflion Blue Sky or the Cherry MX Purple RGB, you will experience the same key travel, leading to a consistent typing or gaming experience.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 produces a high-pitched and sparkling sound profile, characterized by its sharp and crisp auditory feedback upon actuation. This feature is particularly appealing to users who prefer a cleaner, more elevated sound when typing, steering clear of the bass-heavy profiles associated with some other switches. The Blue Sky also has a neutral sound quality, making it versatile enough for both home and workplace environments. On the other hand, the sound attributes of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch are not specified, leaving a gap in the acoustic comparison. However, one could expect that, like most Cherry switches, they may lean towards a more balanced sound profile that aligns with a variety of keycap and board combinations.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky exhibits a mild and polished character, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. With its smooth key travel and reduced friction – potentially due to factory lubing – the Blue Sky provides an exquisitely refined touch. This makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. The polished nature further enhances the tactile experience, making every keystroke feel effortless. The feel attributes of the MX Purple RGB switch are unspecified, so no direct comparison can be made here. However, given that Cherry MX switches tend to provide a robust tactile experience, one can anticipate a different sensation, particularly due to their unique bump and medium-strength actuation.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a distinct high-pitched sound and a smooth, mild feel, making it well-suited for users who prioritize an uplifting auditory experience and a polished typing action. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB's tactile qualities remain unknown, leaving a question mark in its overall assessment. Despite the differences in available information, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience tailored to different user preferences, and you may achieve amiable results by selecting suitable keycaps and boards that complement the inherent qualities of each switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch will depend on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you’re looking for a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with a high-pitched, sparkling sound that brings a modern flair, the Blue Sky switch is an excellent choice. This switch's moderate bottom-out force and polished feel make it particularly suitable for long typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback while typing, with a noticeable bump that gives you a satisfying response, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch would be the better option. Its refined tactile experience is great for gaming and typing alike, especially if you appreciate the collaboration that has gone into its development. Additionally, the Purple RGB switch is likely a good fit if you enjoy a traditional mechanical experience that balances both sound and tactile feedback. Overall, consider your personal typing style and the setting where you’ll be using the keyboard to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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