Aflion Blue Sky vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. The Blue Sky switch is a linear switch, known for its crystal clear typing experience and smooth push feel. It offers a high-pitched sound profile and a neutral, mild, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry is a tactile switch that provides a sharp tactile bump, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced typing feel. This switch emits a lower-than-average sound frequency, providing a textured and invigorating typing experience. While these general pointers give a brief overview of the switches, let's delve deeper to help you make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry differ in several ways. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Blueberry utilizes a POM top housing. Polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while POM produces a deeper and more muted sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is known for its translucency, making it perfect for showcasing RGB lighting, while POM lacks this feature. In terms of aesthetics and sound, these two switches offer distinct experiences.
In terms of bottom housing, the Blue Sky utilizes a nylon material, while the Blueberry uses POM. Nylon is described as a classic switch housing material, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POM also produces a deep and muted sound, but it lacks the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. These differences in bottom housing materials result in variations in the overall sound and feel of the switches.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the nylon housing of the Blue Sky will create a deeper and rounder bottom-out sound, while the POM housing of the Blueberry will produce a similar deep tone. On the other hand, the top housing material has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Sky will create a sharper and higher-pitched sound when letting go of a key, while the POM top housing of the Blueberry will have a relatively more muted sound.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. While the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper sound and aesthetic advantage with RGB lighting, the Blueberry's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Sky and the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry both contribute to a deep and rounded bottom-out sound, although nylon absorbs more sound for a duller profile. Understanding the impact of the housing materials helps in choosing the switch that best suits individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Blue Sky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Blueberry switch's slightly heavier 55 grams. This means that the Blue Sky switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more sensitive and potentially better suited for faster typing or gaming scenarios. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blueberry switch showcases a heavier force of 80 grams, whereas the Blue Sky switch requires 60 grams. This indicates that the Blueberry switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel when fully pressed.
For those who prefer a lighter overall typing experience and value the ability to type for extended periods, the Blue Sky switch may be the preferable option. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces provide a smoother and potentially more comfortable typing experience over extended periods of time. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more pronounced and weightier keystroke might opt for the Blueberry switch, as its higher actuation and bottom out forces offer a more substantial feel with each pressed key.
While the Blue Sky and Blueberry switches have differing actuation and bottom out forces, it is important to note that individual preferences may vary. Some users who appreciate a lighter feel during actuation might find that the Blue Sky switch provides satisfactory results, while others may prefer the enhanced tactile sensation and increased force required for bottoming out offered by the Blueberry switch. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, whether you choose the Aflion Blue Sky or the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on the keys.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience. It offers a high-pitched sound profile when pressed, producing a sharp and crisp sound. This can be preferable for those who do not like richer and bassier sound profiles. The feel of the Blue Sky switch is described as mild and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is best known for its sharp tactile bump, making it suitable for those who prefer a sharper typing feel. The sound of the Blueberry switch is described as low-pitched and resonant. It has a mellow and bass-heavy tone with a clean and sharp sound profile. The feel of the Blueberry switch is described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. It offers a super responsive and alive typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke. However, it may also have noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some users but not by those who prefer a smoother typing experience.
Overall, the Blue Sky switch provides a linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch offers a sharp tactile bump with a low-pitched, resonant sound profile and a snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that may be preferred by different individuals. Depending on personal preferences, the Blue Sky switch may be preferred for its linear typing experience and high-pitched sound, while the Blueberry switch may be chosen for its sharp tactile feel and low-pitched, resonant sound.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a linear typing experience, the Blue Sky switch is a great choice. Its long pole stem provides a smooth push feel and a sparkling sound profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavy bottom-out force and a sharp tactile bump, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is the way to go. It offers a lower-than-average sound frequency and a clean, sharp sound profile. Additionally, if you prefer a mild and polished typing experience, the Blue Sky switch is a safe option. It provides a gentle and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, if you enjoy a snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, or stiff typing experience, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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