Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Oil King. The Blue Sky is a linear switch that is best known for its long pole stem, which provides a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch selection is ideal for those who prefer a high-pitched, neutral, and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King is also a linear switch, but it offers a different set of qualities. These switches are favored for their buttery smoothness and a sound profile that can be likened to the snapping of a dark chocolate bar. With a low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished feel, the Oil King is a popular choice for those seeking a unique and satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

Gateron Oil King (V2) Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Oil King differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which generates a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, producing a rounder and duller effect. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, they offer different auditory experiences for keyboard enthusiasts.

Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Blue Sky and the Oil King utilize nylon. Nylon is known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, despite having different top housings, both keyboards share similarities in terms of the sound produced when typing. The nylon bottom housings contribute to a similar acoustic experience, enhancing the overall sound profile of the keyboards.

It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a keyboard switch play different roles in sound production. The qualities of the bottom housing greatly influence the sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In this aspect, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing stands out. It is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, known for its satisfying thin and clacky nature. On the other hand, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Sky and the nylon top housing of the Oil King offer distinct sound profiles for the release of keys.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Oil King requires 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams, while the Oil King requires 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, but the Oil King is slightly heavier in both categories.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Sky may be the better choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower. This can be beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods of time, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, if someone prefers a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Oil King's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces may be more suitable.

Overall, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Oil King is minimal. While the Oil King is slightly heavier, the distinction may not be significant enough to drastically impact the typing experience for most individuals. Ultimately, whether someone opts for the Blue Sky or the Oil King will depend on their personal preferences and typing style.

Travel distance

The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance of travel for both switches. Neither switch has a shorter or longer travel distance than the other. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom for both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Oil King switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is well-known for its high-pitched sound profile. This means that when pressed, the switch produces a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound, the Blue Sky may not be your ideal choice. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.

In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, as it falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the switch has a smooth and refined finish, which reduces friction and provides a sleek typing experience. The Gateron Oil King, on the other hand, offers a creamy and silky typing experience. This is due to the switch being lubricated at the factory or using specific materials that result in a smooth and buttery sensation. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke feeling melted into the switch.

Based on the available information, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Blue Sky has a high-pitched sound profile and provides a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King has a low-pitched sound profile and offers a creamy and silky typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. It is important to note that these subjective qualities may also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors as well when making a decision.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, a crystal clear and high-pitched sound profile, and a mild and polished typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a low-pitched and bassy sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, and a creamy, silky, or buttery typing experience, the Gateron Oil King switch would be the perfect fit for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Oil King comes down to personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Considering these factors will help you make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Oil King (V2) Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more