Aflion Blue Sky vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream 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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The Blue Sky is a linear switch that is best known for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience. It offers a high-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a smooth and polished push feel. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream is also a linear switch but offers a heftier typing experience. It features a low-pitched and textured sound profile, adding a unique resonance and invigorating feel to each keystroke. Both switches have their own distinctive characteristics, making them appealing options for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
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 Aflion Blue Sky and Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. In contrast, the Cream utilizes a POM top housing, producing a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials allow for RGB lighting due to their translucency, the Blue Sky offers a brighter and more vibrant aesthetic.
In terms of bottom housings, the Blue Sky utilizes a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Cream also employs a POM bottom housing, which complements its POM top housing. This combination creates a unique sound profile that is deep and muted.
It is important to note that the properties of the top and bottom housings play a significant role in the overall typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt, directly influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer distinct and pleasing sound profiles, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Blue Sky has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the NovelKeys Cream's 55 grams. This means that the Blue Sky requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams of force, while the NovelKeys Cream requires 70 grams. This means that the NovelKeys Cream has a heavier bottom out force.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Blue Sky due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This would be ideal for those who want to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the NovelKeys Cream, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel.
Although the forces are not exactly the same, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy feel. So, while the results may not be identical, users can expect a similar level of resistance and response from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same distance of key travel. This ensures consistency in typing experience and allows users to achieve similar results regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Cream 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 Cream 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, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a more vibrant and lively sound. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Blue Sky switch ensures a sleek and refined typing feel.
On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a heftier linear typing experience. It produces a deeper sound profile, which is still within the moderate range. This makes it suitable for users looking for a slightly bassier and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery and textured. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. However, it also has noticeable friction when pressed, providing a textured feel that some users may prefer.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky and Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch provides a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch offers a deeper sound profile and a buttery, textured feel. Based on your preferences, you can choose between a more vibrant and crisp sound with a gentle typing experience or a deeper sound with a smooth and textured keystroke feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a medium actuation force that is suitable for most users. The Blue Sky switch has a high-pitched sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. It is also described as having a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier linear typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch might be the better option for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy actuation force. The Cream switch has a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is described as having a buttery, textured, and invigorating feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream depends on your personal preference for sound and feel. Consider whether you prefer a high-pitched or low-pitched sound profile, and whether you prefer a mild and polished feel or a buttery and invigorating feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. So, take your time to think about what you prioritize in a switch and make your decision accordingly.
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