Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron 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 North Pole V2. The Blue Sky, a linear switch, is renowned for its long pole stem, offering a crystal-clear linear typing experience. With a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch is categorized as high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the North Pole V2, also a linear switch, is best described as gummy. Typing on these switches provides a deep and muted sound profile, along with a satisfying chewy typing feel. Categorized as gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished, the North Pole V2 offers a different tactile experience compared to the Blue Sky. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron North Pole V2, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiffer nature leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, both the Blue Sky and North Pole V2 switches would provide similar results in terms of sound profile and RGB lighting compatibility.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a difference between the two switches. The Blue Sky incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing material. This means that the North Pole V2 switch would maintain a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile throughout, as polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic. The bottom housing also has an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, so the Blue Sky switch may provide a slightly different typing experience due to the properties of nylon.
In summary, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This results in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, higher pitch, and crispness, as well as the potential for RGB lighting. The key difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Blue Sky employing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the North Pole V2 maintains the characteristics of polycarbonate for a consistent sound profile throughout. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches, resulting in a similar response during typing. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a difference. The Blue Sky has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the North Pole V2 switch requires slightly more force to fully press down compared to the Blue Sky switch. Therefore, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Sky switch may be more suitable, as it has a lower bottom out force. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may prefer the North Pole V2 switch, as it has a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. On one hand, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. Thus, both switches offer similar travel distances, providing users with a comparable typing 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 Gateron 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 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile. This means that when pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound that is ideal for those who prefer a more vibrant and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a more subdued sound. When typing on these switches, you can expect a deep and muted sound profile that offers a more subtle and toned-down experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a livelier sound, the Blue Sky switch would be a great choice, whereas if you prefer a more subtle and dampened sound, the North Pole V2 switch would be more suitable.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. With a mild switch, you can expect a more gentle and approachable typing feel that appeals to a wide range of users. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches provides a smooth and refined keystroke, resulting in reduced friction and effortless key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a gummy and creamy typing experience. Typing on these switches feels like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, providing a unique and enjoyable sensation. The creamy switch also offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, making it feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Furthermore, the North Pole V2 switch is also described as bouncy and polished, providing a spring-like feedback and a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a gentle and polished feel, the Blue Sky switch would be a suitable choice, whereas if you enjoy a gummy, creamy, and bouncy typing experience, the North Pole V2 switch would be more fitting.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch provides a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience, while the North Pole V2 switch offers a subdued sound profile and a gummy, creamy, and bouncy typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. It is important to consider factors such as personal preference, the desired sound profile, and typing feel when choosing between these switches. Ultimately, if you prefer a livelier sound with a gentle and polished feel, the Blue Sky switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a more subtle and dampened sound with a gummy, creamy, and bouncy typing experience, the North Pole V2 switch would be a suitable option. It's worth mentioning that individual results may vary based on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is an excellent choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a balanced typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch offers a high-pitched sound profile and a mild feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a sharper sound and a more gentle typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a gummy and chewy typing feel with a deep and muted sound profile, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is the way to go. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, it provides a medium-heavy typing experience. The North Pole V2 switch offers a subdued sound profile and various feels, including gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished. These characteristics make it a unique option for those seeking a more dampened sound and a range of tactile experiences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Consider the sound profiles and tactile experiences described earlier to determine which switch aligns better with your typing style and preferences. With this information, you can confidently select the switch that will enhance your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
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