Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The Blue Sky is a linear switch that is best known for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience. This switch offers a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 is also a linear switch, but unlike its predecessor, it no longer has a rubber dampener. This removal provides a crisper typing experience while still retaining the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup: a frictionless typing feel. Gateron has ensured that the New North Pole V2s maintain the seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal, offering options that cater to various preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron New North Pole V2, namely polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, have some similarities and differences. Both polycarbonate and nylon are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in their respective housings. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate and the softness of nylon, which affect the resonant properties of the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting and adds an aesthetic appeal to both the Blue Sky and the New North Pole V2.
However, there is a point of contrast between the two switches when it comes to the bottom housing. The Blue Sky utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switch. This is because nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the rest of the switch's characteristics in terms of creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. Thus, the choice of bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of the impact on sound when letting go of a key, the top housing material takes precedence. Both the Blue Sky and the New North Pole V2 utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which means that the sound when releasing a key will have a similar quality across the switches. The stiffness and clarity of polycarbonate contribute to a more clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In summary, the Blue Sky and the New North Pole V2 share the same material for their top housing, which affects the sound when releasing a key. However, they differ in terms of the material used for the bottom housing. The Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with the switch's overall crisp and sharp sound profile. Both switches utilize the translucency of polycarbonate for aesthetic appeal and compatibility with RGB lighting.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have some similarities and differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. In terms of actuation force, both switches require 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, making them relatively light switches. This means that users can easily activate the keys with a lighter touch, which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions.
However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a slight difference between the two switches. The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Overall, both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. They offer a balance between lightness for extended typing sessions and enough force to ensure a satisfying key press. Whether to choose one over the other would depend on personal preference. Those who prefer a slightly lighter switch may lean towards the Aflion Blue Sky, while those looking for a bit more resistance might opt for the Gateron New North Pole V2.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a consistent experience in terms of the distance they travel from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Blue Sky or the New North Pole V2, you can expect to feel a 4 mm travel distance when pressing down on the keys. Therefore, they offer similar results in terms of the switch's travel distance.
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 New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 offers a high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be preferable for those who prefer a more distinct and clear sound rather than a bassy profile. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch does not have a specific description for its sound, so it is unknown how it compares to the Blue Sky in terms of sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. It is also considered polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The New North Pole V2 switch shares the polished characteristic with the Blue Sky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. Additionally, it is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The New North Pole V2 switch is also noted to be frictionless, ensuring an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch may have a different sound profile, but it shares the polished characteristic with the Blue Sky and offers a creamy, frictionless feel. While there are some differences between the two switches in terms of sound and feel, they both provide smooth and refined typing experiences. Therefore, if someone prefers a high-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel, the Blue Sky switch would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if someone prefers a creamy, frictionless feel, the New North Pole V2 switch would be a comparable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its long pole stem, it offers a unique and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a crisper typing experience with a frictionless typing feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be a suitable option. Despite the removal of the rubber dampener, Gateron has maintained the seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love. In terms of sound, the Blue Sky switch is high-pitched or neutral, while the New North Pole V2's sound profile is not specified. In terms of feel, both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Blue Sky switch is mild in its typing experience, while the New North Pole V2 switch can be described as creamy or frictionless, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch depends on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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